China went into the game having already secured a place in the World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan in August and September.

Zhou Qi led China with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Zhao Jiwei added 11 points and Guo Ailun nine.

China's new Hong Kong liaison officer Zheng Yanxiong and former NBA star Yao Ming were among the spectators.

With a record of nine wins out of 10 matches, China secured a berth in the upcoming World Cup.

However, the team will face remaining two matches, and will compete with Iran on Sunday, February 26.

The China team's new Serbian coach Sasha Djordjevic made his debut yesterday.

National team leader Zhou Qi said he had been impressed by Djordjevic's training style.

"He strengthened the parts that we are in dire need of," Zhou said, adding that he was team-oriented.

Meanwhile, Iran and Kazakhstan are in a fierce battle to secure a World Cup spot, as Iran lost to Japan in Takasaki 61-69.