China produced a dominant display to defeat New Zealand 80-46 in Group A at the State Sports Centre in the New South Wales capital.

China’s centre Han Xu scored 17 points as her team recorded their second victory of the competition.

South Korea recovered from their opening day defeat to New Zealand to record a 76-54 victory over Lebanon in the same group.

Later in Group B, defending champions Japan were untroubled as they beat Philippines 95-57 for their second victory.

Himawari Akaho, a star of Japan’s two successive Asia Cup victories and named Most Valuable Player at the 2021 tournament, registered 16 points and Mai Yamamoto added a further 15.

Keely Froling was Australia’s top scorer and player of the match with 16 points in their 91-45 win over Chinese Taipei which keeps them on top of Group B.

Anneli Maley, scorer of 15 points for Australia, relished the physical nature of the match,

"If you know me you know the physical aspect of the game is what I love doing," she said.

"I think that I just try and play with my all every time I step onto the floor."

In the last round of preliminary matches tomorrow, New Zealand face Lebanon and China are due meet South Korea in Group A. 

In Group B, Chinese Taipei  are scheduled to play against the Philippines is the lunchtime match, before Japan meet the host nation in the match to decide who will claim the automatic berth in the semi-final.

The tournament is due to continue until Sunday (July 2).

The top four ranked teams will advance to the  Olympic qualification tournament for Paris 2024.