Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy win FIBA 3x3 World Tour Shanghai Masters 2023
SHANGHAI (China) - Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) celebrated a momentous victory at the FIBA 3x3 Shanghai Masters 2023. They clinched their first World Tour Masters title ever by defeating Liman Huishan NE (SRB) with a score of 21-19 in a thrilling final held on October 15 on Hengsha Island in Shanghai.
This triumph was of particular importance for Ulaanbaatar, as they had previously fallen short in their attempts to secure a FIBA 3x3 World Tour victory earlier in the year. However, in this tournament, they showcased their skills by leading their pool on the opening day and maintaining a winning streak throughout the knockout rounds on the second day. Their journey to the Final included a thrilling victory over China's Wuxi and the underdog team from Antananarivo, Madagascar. In the championship match, they faced Liman, the second-seeded team led by sharpshooters Zhang Ning and Stefan Kojic.
As expected, the battle between Ulaanbaatar and Liman was intense. The two teams were frequently neck-and-neck, with neither holding a lead greater than 3 points. Both teams impressed the Shanghai audience with their exceptional teamwork and impressive shooting abilities. Ulaanbaatar held a 20-19 lead late in the game when Steve Sir sealed the victory with a free throw.
Sir was also recognized as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. In addition to this honor, he won the Shoot-Out Contest presented by Chooks-to-Go. In the Final, Sir displayed his offensive skills by sinking a pair of two-pointers in the midst of tight defense. His timely baskets played a crucial role in Ulaanbaatar's historic victory. His Final performance included 6 points, 2 key assists, 1 rebound, and 2 highlight-worthy plays, earning him the prestigious title of World Tour MVP.
Dmytro "Smoove" Kryvenko thrilled the Shanghai crowd, securing the Maurice Lacroix Dunk Contest.
FINAL STANDINGS
1. Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL)
2. Liman Huishan NE (SRB)
3. Antananarivo (MAD)
4. Omaha (USA)
5. Beijing (CHN)
6. Vienna (AUT)
7. Partizan (SRB)
8. Wuxi (CHN)
9. Futian (CHN)
10. Utrecht (NED)
11. Saitama ALPHAS EXE (JPN)
12. Shinagawa CC EXE (JPN)
The FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2023 returns (October 21 -22) with the Chengdu Masters.
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Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court.
It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly professional circuit for men and women (World Tour and Women’s Series respectively) and national-team competitions.
3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Wilson is the Global Ball Partner. Maurice Lacroix the Official Timekeeper and Chooks-to-Go the Global Partner of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2023.
FIBA 3x3 events are played on Enlio floors with Wilson balls, Schelde backstops, Bodet shot-clocks and the Magic Sky canopy system.
For further information about 3x3, visit fiba3x3.basketball, FIBA 3x3 accounts on Douyin, Facebook, Instagram, Sina Weibo, Tencent, TikTok, Twitch, Twitter, Youku and YouTube or contact 3x3@fiba.basketball.
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