A 17-year-old Chinese basketball player has been tipped for the top and drawn comparisons to Yao Ming after using her startling height advantage to dominate an international tournament.
Zhang Ziyu stands 2.20 meters, according to world basketball's governing body Fiba, but Chinese media reported earlier that she was even taller at 2.28m.
Either way, she has used her height to help the hosts to two comfortable wins at the Under-18 Women's Asia Cup in Shenzhen.
Against Indonesia on Monday, Zhang scored 19 points in 13 minutes in a 109-50 victory.
China beat New Zealand 90-68 the next day, with Zhang posting 36 points and 13 rebounds.
Social media users compared her to former NBA star Yao, who was 2.29m tall and China's greatest basketball player.
The WNBA requires foreign players to be aged at least 20, but many observers are already speculating about Zhang's potential future career in the United States.
"She's got a good touch around the rim," one user on X commented. "Most tall people just chuck the ball at it, hoping it goes in, but she has good form and knows what she's doing."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Zhang Ziyu is challenged by New Zealand's Kavanah Faamaoni Lene, left, and Evie Leeson at a U18 Women's Asia Cup game. AFP
