Taiwan Junior NT lost to Japan, 68-76, to finish for the 6th place -- their worst performance since 1995 -- in the 17th ABC Championship for Junior Men in Kuwait.
Without starting PF/C Wu Dai-hao, who sprained his ankle badly in the game vs. South Korea, Taiwan could not match up with the Japanese. PG Chang Yi-wen also did not play because of knee injury. Taiwan was thrid place in 2000, 4th in both 1998 and 1996.
In the final day of the competition tomorrow, China will play Iran for gold. Qatar will meet South Korea for bronze and the final ticket to the World Junior Championship next year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.