DOHA, Qatar - Former Dallas Maverick Center Wang Zhizhi scored 28 points as China beat Qatar 59-44 to win gold in the Asian Games men's basketball final.

Special coverage: Doha Asian Games Related readings: Chinese red inflames Doha hurdles venue China can top 2008 medals table - Liu Xiang Liu Xiang strolls to gold medal at Doha Liu Xiang cruises to easy win at Doha Games Shi: I won't let Liu win so easily

Friday's victory renews China's virtual lock on the title, which it has now won five times since 1986. The only blemish was a silver in Busan four years ago, when Houston Rockets star Yao Ming was a regular on the team.

Deprived of Yao's presence, China turned to NBA alum Wang to dominate at center and he instantly rose to the occasion, scoring 12 first-quarter points.

Qatar drew within a point early in the second, but the half ended with China ahead 34-25. Despite again closing to within three points in the third, Qatar was simply unable to neutralize the threat from Wang, who rained in field goals and repeatedly took defenders to the basket.