(Beijing, 23 April) - Comments from China's coach Thomas Maher (AUS) and Alberto Zabala after China beat Cuba 66-58.

Thomas Maher (AUS) - China's coach

On winning the game:
"Cuba is one of the teams that are of the same ranking and same grouping as China. They are hard to beat, hard to win. We won in the first half for our good shots and good defence. Our rebounds were a disaster. But it was a good thing that our players didn't hesitate shooting though sometimes the ball just didn't go in."

On the next plan after the tournament:
"Three-week practice. Then the tournament against Poland in China. After that, I'd like to have a hotpot."

On whether China didn't play to its best at the last few minutes:
"China's style is always not physical. But it doesn't mean we didn't play to our best. We need to make some adjustment. But the team's spirit was very good. No one is going to doubt their characters." 

Alberto Zabala (CUB) - Coach

On losing the game:
"It's a fabulous game. It was a close one. It's a pity we lost. China prevailed in many ways. No 12 (CHEN Xiaoli) was excellent in offence. She had 3 three-points made. We were well-prepared to defend No 8 (MIAO Lijie) and No 15 (CHEN Nan). China did very well in defence. They also did a terrific job in free-throws, 16 attempted, 16 made. We didn't do well in shooting and our field goals were not satisfactory."

On the prospect of winning the qualification round for Olympics in June:
"We will first play Chinese Taipei and Belarus and if we win we will confront Brazil and Spain. We had three wins and one loss against Brazil in Brague. We are going to Europe for another tournament in May. We will try to figure out where we can improve and I'm confident of coming here in August."