Chen Xiaoli scored 21 points with 12 rebounds as defending champion China downed Taiwan 90-59 for gold in the Asian Games women's basketball tournament.

Members of China's women's basketball team pose with their coach Thomas Maher (C) at the medal ceremony after winning the gold medal at the 15th Asian Games in Doha, December 14, 2006.[Reuters]

China took control of the game in the second quarter, ending the half up 46-33, then adding another 28 points in the third. Taiwan matched China point for point in the fourth quarter, but by then the game was beyond their reach.

China captain Miao Lijie added 20 points and Chen Nan had 19 and 10 rebounds. Lin Hui-mei led Taiwan with 18 points.

"We played our very best tonight," said Miao, who scored an amazing three-pointer from within her own half on the buzzer for the end of the third quarter.

Taiwan were dealt a heavy blow when the tournament's leading scorer Chiang Feng-chun was sent to the bench in the opening minutes with three personal fouls.

"We didn't know how to get our offense started," said Chiang. "We'll be better in the Asian Cup."

China defeated South Korea for the title four years ago in Busan, and also won the gold 1982 and 1986.

Earlier in the evening, Japan narrowly defeated South Korea 74-70 for the bronze medal, led by Ryoko Utsumi's 24 points. Yuko Oga had 13 points and nine rebounds Beon Yeon-ha led scoring for South Korea with 22 points, while Kim Kwe-ryong had 21.

In the men's final on Friday afternoon, unbeaten China meets host Qatar.