Heading into the Nagoya Asian Games bronze medal match, Xiao Yuwen talks about her experience in the duel with 223cm Zhang Ziyu

Xiao Yuwen. (provided by the delegation)

[Special Correspondent Nian Miaoyun/Reporting from Nagoya] "Taiwanese female monster" Xiao Yuwen faced off against China's tallest and 223cm female player Zhang Ziyu in the bronze medal match of the Asian Games in Nagoya today. Talking about this high-intensity duel, she admitted that it was a very valuable learning experience. "The world outside is very big. Learning more and seeing more will help you improve more. You should also practice more movements, skills and steps when you go back."

Facing Zhang Ziyu, who was more than a head taller than herself, Xiao Yuwen said with a smile that she could actually push the opponent, and compared with the past when she fought against the foreign generals with excellent physical fitness and more strength, "Actually, it is more than enough. Compared with the foreign generals, she is still not that powerful." "It's a little softer." However, she had no choice but to say that her opponent was too high. Even if she could push the ball, as long as the opponent threw the ball high, "it would be just a little bit impossible to touch the ball." Coupled with the pressure of Zhang Ziyu raising his arms, it was extremely difficult to defend.

Xiao Yuwen pointed out that in the first half, everyone actively blocked the opponent from the penalty area and even had an advantage in rebounds. However, in the second half, the decline in physical strength led to a lax defense, which allowed the opponent to continuously grab rebounds and score. In addition, the pick and roll allowed the opponent to create too many gaps, and the points were gradually opened up.

Xiao Yuwen mentioned that although Zhang Ziyu's physical strength declined in the second half and he left the game to rest, the long man who came on the bench was more flexible in his movements, which also put a lot of pressure on the team. In this regard, the coaching team has also formulated a response strategy. It doesn't matter if the opponent scores easily. The key is to seize the opportunity to move forward quickly and use the opponent's slower speed to find counterattack opportunities.

It was her first time participating in the Asian Games and she encountered a tough battle. Xiao Yuwen said that she still had many shortcomings and was unable to help the seniors win more games. "We obviously could have won the game, but we were defeated by ourselves."