Wang Shipeng's buzzer-beating three lifted China win over Slovenia 78-77 in the first round of the FIBA World Basketball Championships 2006 on August 24 in Japan, sending China to the final 16.

China's Yao Ming (R) celebrates with his team mate Wang Shipeng after Wang made the game-winning shot against Slovenia during the first round of the world basketball championships in Sapporo, northern Japan August 24, 2006.[Reuters]

"There were only 5.8 seconds left at that moment, I had no time to make any consideration, I just drove the ball to our rival's court and fired." Wang said after the game, " The whole team contributed to the victory! I just made the final one." Wang added.

"Beating Serbia & Montenegro to the final 8 in Athens Olympics was ever a wonderful moment for Team China, which however can't compare with today's miracle!" China's forward Zhu Fangyu said.

China's big center Yao Ming had a game-high 36 points and hauled down 10 rebounds. Yao was shocked and said:" It's an amazing shot like I saw before in NBA! I'd rather give my all in exchange for Shipeng's autography signed shirt!"

"It was tough for us to defeat powerful Slovenia, we fighted like a man till the end of the game, we can face our families when we go back to China!" Yao added.

China's ex-NBA player Wang Zhizhi said:" we should focus on how our team narrowed the gap and exceeded after we lagged behind our rival with 14 points."