GUANGZHOU, Sept. 9 -- China's basketball reform will go on despite its national team failed to achieve the basic goal of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics directly at the FIBA World Cup.

The hosts were defeated by Nigeria 86-73 after a hard battle and finished second in classification round of Group M, seeing its Asian rival Iran advance to Tokyo Olympics.

"It is I who disappointed the fans. The fans had great expectation for China at the World Cup, but we could not make it," Yao Ming, president of Chinese Basketball Association said immediately after China's loss in its last match at World Cup.

Yao witnessed all five games that China played, and he had watched several other games between European and American teams.

"(The World Cup) is a window for us to look out the world. The gap between China and the world-leading basketball countries has widened," Yao said.

China set its minimum goal to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics before the World Cup. Most of the players and fans believe it would be a piece of cake, some even believe the hosts would reach the final eight.

Losing to Poland and Venezuela in the first round, China plummeted to the bottom of the classification round. Although the hosts edged South Korea 77-73 in the first game of classification, China found its Olympic hope's in jeopardy. The hosts had either to beat Nigeria or hope the Philippines could beat Iran. However, there was no miracle as China lost to Nigeria and Iran crushed the Philippines.

【体坛英语资讯：Reform must go on as China fails test at Basketball World Cup】相关文章：

★ 体坛资讯：Iraqi fans stock up on petrol and ammunition

★ 体坛英语资讯：Celtics wrap up best record

★ 体坛英语资讯：Maradona wants to coach Argentine Olympic team

★ 体坛英语资讯：Russias historic win over England makes Hiddink proud

★ 体坛资讯：Tour reels from latest doping scandal

★ 体坛英语资讯：Iraq soccer team returns without captain

★ 体坛英语资讯：Special athletes assured of a happy environment

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Oscars arrive in a relieved Hollywood

★ 体坛英语资讯：McClaren pays price for England Euro flop

★ 体坛资讯：Liu gets another shot at Robles in 110 hurdles