SINGAPORE – Tonga (women) made history while the Philippines (men) delivered a clutch upset on Day 2 of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026, as the Qualifying Draw concluded in emphatic fashion.
They were joined by Malaysia (women) and Korea (men), who also secured their spots in the Main Draw after strong performances at The Kallang.
Tonga women make history
Tonga produced one of the defining moments of Day 2, advancing to the Main Draw for the first time in their history.
They opened with a 13-4 win over Maldives in a controlled, low-scoring contest before stepping up offensively in a 15-7 victory over Macau to seal qualification.
With disciplined defense and scoring, Tonga finished unbeaten and secured a landmark breakthrough for the program. They join Australia and Philippines in Women's Pool D.
Philippines men deliver when it counts
The Philippines saved their best for last.
After opening Day 2 with a 21-16 win over Maldives, they faced a decisive showdown against Thailand, and they Filipinos delivered under pressure.
Led by Raphael Cu, the Philippines stormed to a strong start, building a 14-6 lead midway behind hot shooting. Thailand responded with a late push, cutting the deficit to 15-13 with under two minutes remaining.
But the Philippines held firm.
They closed out a 17-15 victory, surviving a final possession as Thailand missed a potential game-tying two-pointer. The result sealed their place in the Main Draw. The Philippines now advance to Men's Pool A, where they will face Mongolia and Chinese Taipei.
Malaysia women in control
Malaysia also impressed, going 2-0 to top their Qualifying Draw group and advance.
Leading the charge was Foo Suet Ying, who scored 15 total points across two games, including a 9-point performance against India. She knocked down six two-pointers, providing consistent scoring throughout the day.
Malaysia held off India 16-13 before pulling away late in a 21-9 win over Turkmenistan.
They advance to Women's Pool B, where they will face Mongolia and New Zealand.
Korea men impress
Korea were among the standout teams of the day, delivering two dominant wins to secure their place in the Main Draw.
Leading the way was Lee DongGeun, who was a high-flying scoring machine across two games.
Korea dismantled Vietnam 21-7 before following it up with a 21-11 win over Tonga, completing a perfect run. Korea join Japan and Singapore in Men's Pool C.
What’s next
With the Qualifying Draw now complete, the final Main Draw spots have been secured.
Tonga (women), Malaysia (women), Philippines (men) and Korea (men) join the field as the tournament enters its next phase.
The Main Draw tips off on Day 3, with Asia and Oceania’s top seeds entering the competition.
With the field now complete and stakes rising, the race for the Asia Cup title begins in earnest in Singapore.
FIBA