Shao Ting, Chen Nan elated with Rio Olympics ticket

NANTES (2016 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Both Shao Ting and Chen Nan were crucial in leading China cruise past Belarus in the 2016 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT) Quarter-Finals on Friday. The triumph ensured the East Asians a spot at the Rio Olympics.

While Shao Ting, who is set to make her debut in the Olympics, led the way with 18 points and five rebounds in the 84-70 win, Chen Nan, a three-time Olympian, ignited her team with 15 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

Shao Ting and Chen Nan talked to FIBA.com.

FIBA.com: Now that China has qualified for the Rio Olympics, what are you most looking forward to in Rio?
Shao Ting: I am really excited to have the chance of playing in the Olympics. This is going to be my first Olympics, and I will cherish the experience. We want to accomplish the best results possible in Rio. 

FIBA.com: What was the key aspect of your victory against Belarus?
Shao Ting: We did our best. Coach kept telling us that we needed to play our best. We played like a team. We don’t have only one single scorer. Everybody can score on our team. The idea is if you have the opportunity you should score.

FIBA.com: Two years ago at the FIBA World Championship for Women you scored a game-high 23 points as China beat Belarus. You seem to like to beat Belarus.
Shao Ting: Maybe I am just lucky against Belarus.

 
Shao Ting played a major role in China's qualification for the Rio Olympics

Chen Nan, 33, had retired from the national team after the FIBA Asia Championship 2013, but the 1.95m center feels she still has a lot to offer to the team.

Chen Nan is set to become a four-time Olympian

Although she averaged four points and three rebounds in the Group Phase games, Chen Nan stepped up when her team needed her most. Her 15 points and seven rebounds against Belarus speak for themselves.

FIBA.com: How do feel about playing for your national team again?
Chen Nan: I feel great being a four-time Olympian, and being part of a young Chinese team. I love being part of my national team. After my retirement from the national team, I received an invitation and I felt that I could help because I still love playing basketball.

FIBA.com: You have played at the Olympics before. What's your message for the younger players heading to Rio?
Chen Nan: Because we have a young team, we are going to Rio to enjoy the games but compete hard.

FIBA.com: Is there a specific goal for China at the Olympics?
Chen Nan: We just got the ticket to Rio, it’s too early to set goals for the Rio Olympics.

FIBA