By sportswriter Su Bin
BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) is just halfway into the 2019-20 campaign at the arrival of the new year.
Reigning champion Dongguan has reasons to be listed as one of title contenders after 17 rounds of matches, while temporary leaders Beijing have surprised many by sweeping the main threats on its home court.
Dongguan should enjoy its depth with Chinese international trio of Li Yueru, Huang Sijing and Yang Liwei in the squad.
Standing 2.01 meters tall, the 20-year-old Li averaged 16.2 points and 7.4 rebounds. As a promising center, the current Finals Most Valuable Player is at the peak of her career.
Huang offers much from the perimeter position, shooting 52.2 percent from the field to finish an average of 12.1 points and 7.5 boards. As a point guard, Yang can dish out 4.1 assists per game.
Small forward Aerial Powers is not among super scorers, with just 15.3 points under name, but her chemistry with Dongguan is on the right track.
Dilana Dilixiati, Shen Yi and Zhang Dongxia contribute to the team on both ends in reserve roles.
Despite possessing less depth than Dongguan, four-time winners Beijing have surprised many observers by sitting atop the table, while also handing the title holders the only defeat so far.
Home court performance provides a huge boost to Beijing's 16-1 record, as it has overcome Jiangsu, Shanxi and Bayi, other sides among the top six in standings, at home.
China's national team captain Shao Ting had an all-around performance of 14.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists, while fellow national basketballer Gao Song posted 12.1 points and 6.6 boards on average.
Center Teaira McCowan protected the rim quite well with league's second-best 15.9 rebounds per match.
Shi Xiufeng is another weapon for Beijing, especially in decisive moments, considering her four points in a row in Tuesday's home win over Shanxi in the last minute.
"Our performance so far has been beyond my expectations," admitted Beijing's coach Zhang Yunsong, adding that he expects journey in the new year will be tougher.
With Tina Charles and veteran Chen Xiaojia in and out, Jiangsu sits third, followed by Xinjiang, Shanxi and Bayi.
Elizabeth Cambage is without doubt Shanxi's difference maker, as the three-time champion lost three games in a row with the Australian center sidelined due to a shoulder injury.
Shanxi's coach Cesar Ruperez Garcia hoped his young players can offer enough help to Cambage.
"Liz (Cambage) is our difference maker. But we want more help from the Chinese players," the Spaniard told Xinhua.
With several former internationals in the roster, newcomers Inner Mongolia stunned some people at the start by gifting Beijing the only loss and forcing an overtime against Dongguan in the opener. But as the season went deep, Inner Mongolia suffered some unexpected defeats and is stuck in 11th place.
At the other end of the table, Henan is still desperate for their first win after 17 consecutive losses.
