China beats Belgium to enter top two of Women's Basketball World Cup Group A

SYDNEY - China secured a top two finish from Group A with a vital 81-55 win over Belgium on Tuesday ahead of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup quarterfinals.

After their fourth win from five games, China will advance as the group's second seed behind unbeaten United States.

China led 54-45 after three quarters before powering away from Belgium, who finished fourth at the 2018 World Cup, in a blistering final term assault.

Li Meng top-scored with 16 points for the Chinese team, who had five players hit double figures.

Kyara Linskens had 14 points and 7 rebounds for Belgium, who finished third in the group with a 3-2 record.

China's quarterfinal opponent will be determined after the final group matches on Tuesday at the 10-day tournament in Sydney. Canada, France, host Australia and Serbia have already qualified as the top four teams from Group B.