Flag-bearer leads China to victory

China's Dilixiati Dilana shoots against the Netherlands in their girls' basketball match at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing on Monday. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

Unity and confidence were the most important thing in Dilixiati Dilana's mind as the Uyghur captain led China to an opening win against the Netherlands 13-7 in the girls' three-on-three basketball at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing on Monday.

The 17-year-old contributed six points to the win, including three free throws in her 8:27 court time. But the flag-bearer of the China delegation in the opening ceremony only made three of her eight shots from the field.

"In team games, unity takes the first priority, and that's what our team did -really well," Dilana told the Global Times, though Team China's performance in their first game at the current Youth Olympic Games was a little below the fans' expectation.

"I was a little nervous, this is the first game," Dilana said. "It's true some of my layups didn't work well, which means I still have room to improve."

Dilana also said the home court excitement of the fans also exaggerated her nervousness, but expressed her desire to do better in order to "be deserving" of their applause.

"They are so enthusiastic, it's a great motivation for me to do better."

The 1.92-meter player regards former Chinese women's national team star center Chen Nan as her idol, but also gave much credit to Chen's club teammate Maya Moore.

"Moore is totally an all-rounder, I hope I can be an all-rounder too in the future," Dilana said.

"She told me to be confident in myself on playing bigger stages, and that works."

Dilana won the WCBA championship last season with the Shanxi Flame.

Speaking of her role, Dilana expressed it is simply very exciting.

"On August 15, I got to know I was named the flag-bearer for China, which made me really excited," Dilana said.

Dilana also took a selfie with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach during the opening ceremony and she described the experience as a "great surprise."

"It's really a great honor to represent China," Dilana said. "After so many years of playing I was still obscure in China, but after this, I suddenly became famous."

Speaking of the difference between five-a-side basketball and the three-a-side game, Dilana considers the game's pace to be the main difference.

Dilana also paid tribute to her long-time teammate Wang Zhen for her quality shooting. Wang bagged four points in the win.

Guo Zixuan, who grabbed three points in the game, thought pressure was the main reason for her under--performing.

"We are the defending champions, so we do have pressure. The atmosphere is incredible but also gives us more pressure on the home court," Guo said.

Also on Monday, China's men's team won Uruguay 21-11 after conceded an 18-15 defeat to Germany earlier.