The game features the CBA team Beijing Ducks and the university team from Lithuania. [Photo/xsnet.cn]

The "Exciting Hangzhou" Merry Cup International Basketball Challenge 2023 kicked off at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, on July 19. The event is an important competition held in preparation for the upcoming World University Games.

The tournament features the CBA team Beijing Ducks and international university teams from Finland, Poland and Lithuania. In the first game, Finland narrowly defeated Poland 72-70, setting the stage for the final match at 3 pm on July 22.

All three international teams participating in the tournament fielded university squads, which will also compete in the World University Games to be held in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, later this month.

The first game between Finland and Poland was a fierce encounter characterized by the robust Nordic basketball style. Both teams struggled to get a leg up on the other throughout the game, resulting in a thrilling finale with only 5 seconds left.

However, multiple turnovers and missteps in the final moments cost Poland the victory. Despite the intense competition, both coaches and players from both teams expressed satisfaction with the level of play and acknowledged the significance of the tournament in their preparations for future matches.

This tournament serves as a crucial rehearsal before the Asian Games, providing a comprehensive test for the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center.

With almost 100 sporting events, variety shows, and concerts held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center since May 2021, the venue has accumulated valuable experience in serving audiences. The stress test conducted during full-capacity events has also proven the center's ability to efficiently handle 20-minute evacuations and resume traffic within 40 minutes.

A game between Finland and Poland. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]