FRA/CHN - France hold off China in U19 Women warm-up

REZE (FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - France's U19 women's national team held off their Chinese counterparts 53-52 in the final of the Reze International Tournament on Sunday.

It was the first defeat for China, who had won their previus three games to reach the final.

Both countries used the tournament to prepare for the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women that will be held in Chile from 21 to 31 July.

Zuo Jiayi had a game-high 20 points for China, who staged two remarkable rallies – one in each half – before falling short at the final hurdle.

Sun Meng Ran added seven points.

Jenny Fouasseau stepped up and had a team-best 17 points to lead the home side.

France qualified for the FIBA U19 World Championship by finishing third at last year's FIBA U18 European Championship for Women. 

China earned their place thanks to their gold medal run at last year's FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women in Surat Thani, Thailand.

In Chile, France have been drawn in Group C of the Preliminary Round alongside Australia, hosts Chile and Nigeria.

China are in Group A with on Canada, Egypt and Italy.

The top three teams from each group qualify for the second round.

FIBA Asia