CHENGDU (China) – World Tour 2021 winners Liman Huishan NE (SRB) conquered their first Masters of the season at the FIBA 3×3 Chengdu Masters 2023. They did it by defeating Vienna (AUT) 21-20 in an extremely thrilling final held on October 22 in Chengdu.
Liman achieved a significant victory, especially after their loss at the Shanghai Masters 2023 final last week. In this tournament, they demonstrated their skills by topping their group on the first day and maintaining a winning streak in the knockout rounds on the second day. Their path to the Final included thrilling victories against the top-seeded Ub Huishan NE (SRB) and Beijing (CHN). In the championship match, they faced Vienna, the second-seeded team led by Quincy Diggs.
As anticipated, the showdown between Liman and Vienna was highly competitive. Vienna got off to a strong start, but Liman remained close behind. In the final minute, it appeared that Vienna was poised to secure the victory as they held a 20-19 lead with Diggs having two free throws. However, he missed both, giving Stefan Kojic the opportunity to seal the title with a Maurice Lacroix buzzer-beater.
Local fan favorite Zhang Ning received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the tournament. He led the entire field in scoring with 37 points and ranked third in both highlights (14) and rebounds (19).
In the individual contests, Steve Sir won the Shoot-out Contest, while Dmytro “Smoove” Kryvenko repeated as the Maurice Lacroix Dunk Contest champion.
FINAL STANDINGS
1. Liman Huishan NE (SRB)
2. Vienna (AUT)
3. Lausanne Sport LS (SUI)
4. Beijing (CHN)
5. Omaha (USA)
6. Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU)
7. Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL)
8. Ub Huishan NE (SRB)
9. Saitama ALPHAS EXE (JPN)
10. San Juan (PUR)
11. Sansar MMC Energy (MGL)
12. Utrecht (NED)
13. Al Shamal (QAT)
14. Cijin Jong Shyn (TPE)
The FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2023 returns next weekend (October 28 to 29) with the Abu Dhabi Masters.