Chikahira Naoko's last second free throws helped Japan defeat China 33-32 to win the title of the girl 's 3-on-3 basketball at the 2009 Asian Youth Games on Saturday.
Early on Saturday, South Korea beat Thailand 33-24 to take the bronze medal of the event.
Japan started the game wildly as they launched a 7-0 run in the first period and maintained the lead into the second period with 19-15.
China, who missed all 5 shots in the first period, came back strongly in the second and as Jin Jiabao made the two free throws, China leveled the game for the first time 29-29 just before the second period ends.
Japan took the lead 31-29 again in the third period but Ma Xueya of China soon answered with a lay-up, added with a free throw, for China to lead the game 32-31.
There was only one point to go for China to win the finals as according to the rules of the 3-on-3 basketball, the team who reaches the 33 points mark wins the game.
But Chikahira Naoko smashed China's gold medal dream as she made two free throws after she was fouled in the painted area.
"This is the happiest time we have ever had." said the Japanese girls together after they were awarded the gold medal, "We will have a big celebration tonight."
Source: Xinhua
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