Chinese Taipei downplays match with Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - Chinese Taipei zoomed to the top of Group A of the FIBA Asia Championships following a 90-67 demolition of Saudi Arabia. With the Philippines set to play Jordan Friday night, head coach Hsu Chin Che downplayed the Saturday match-up with the home team.

Hsu dodged questions about the Philippines not being invited to defend its William Jones Cup crown as well as any implications over the game due to the still unresolved shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman at that the hands of the Philippine Navy last May. 

“Sports is sports,” pronounced Hsu outside his team dugout at the Mall of Asia Arena. “We didn’t come to discuss politics but to play basketball.”

American-Taiwanese forward Douglas Creighton likewise mimicked his coach’s thoughts. “I’m sure it’s in the thoughts of some people but not for maybe and maybe some of my teammates. You have to focus on the game and nothing else.”

 â€œWe want to make the final four,” added Hsu. “We want to win every game. Not only the Philippines.”

Despite tensions between the two countries, Chinese Taipei journalists covering the biennial basketball tournament say that the island nation badly wants to win the match up. “It will mean a lot to us,” divulged the female reporter who asked to remain anonymous.

The last two times these countries met, in the 2011 FIBA Asia and the 2012 Jones Cup, the Philippines came away winners.

“This will be a very good match up,” said Philippines assistant coach Josh Reyes. “In our last game (during the 2012 Jones Cup), they were leading almost the whole way until we caught up. They had the advantage of playing at home. Now we are on Philippine soil.”

Hsu, however, had good words for the local fans. “The Filipino fans are nice. No problems at all. Maybe when we play it will be different.”