WONJU (Korea) - Korea's flamethrowers have lit up the World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers yet again, at China's expense in a 90-76 victory where they led by as much as 32 points.
In the process, Chun Heechul's squad did what no Korean side before them had accomplished - beating their East Asian powerhouse rivals in back-to-back meetings.
The historic first is in the context of major FIBA competitions, including World Cups and Qualifiers, Asia Cup and Qualifiers, and the Olympic Games.
The first win of this window came with the wave of superstar Lee Hyunjung's shooting where he knocked down a historic 9 three-pointers en route to an 80-76 win in Beijing.
This follow-up victory at home with a margin of 14 points is tied for the largest win by Korea over a Chinese squad. Korea had also beaten China by 14 points in Asia Cup 1997.
Wins by Korea over China*
Date | Competition | Score | Margin of Victory |
|---|---|---|---|
1 DEC 2025 | World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers | +14 | |
28 NOV 2025 | World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers | +4 | |
12 JUL 2022 | Asia Cup 2022 | +12 | |
28 JUN 2018 | World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers | +8 | |
2 AUG 2013 | Asia Cup 2013 | +4 | |
18 SEP 1997 | Asia Cup 1997 | +14 | |
26 SEP 1988 | Olympic Games 1988 | +3 | |
3 JAN 1986 | Asia Cup 1985 | +9 |
*World Cups and Qualifiers, Asia Cup and Qualifiers, and the Olympic Games
FIBA