5 Jun 2016
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (2016 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Championships) - Qatar's men and France's women struck gold at the 2016 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Sunday 5 June.
After dropping their first game, Qatar went on to win their next six, knocking out last year's two finalists Argentina and New Zealand in the quarters and semi-finals.
In the final, Qatar defeated Brazil (20-12) thanks to number one 3x3 player in the world (in the U18 category) Nedim Muslic and big man Seydou Ndoye, who scored 6 apiece.
Brazilian star Fabricio Verissimo led all scorers in the final (with 7 points). He finished top scorer of the tournament and was named MVP.
In the bronze medal game, Italy stunned reigning champions New Zealand (21-14) thanks to 12 points from Flavio Gay, who joined Fabricio and New Zealand's Tai Wynyard in the team of the tournament.
In the women's event, France and USA played a rematch of last year's final and France went back to back after a 21-12 finish. The team remained undefeated during the entire tournament and was led by tournament top scorer and MVP Astou Gaye.
Fellow member of the Team of the Tournament Megan Walker carried USA to a silver medal. Spain finished third after beating Czech Republic (18-12) in the bronze medal game. Czech rising star Sara Krumpholcova completed the Team of the Tournament.
Hungary did not shine in the team's event but achieved to earn a medal in each one of the three individual contests.
The number one 3x3 player in the U18 women's category Veronika Kanyasi dominated the skills contest in every round. Julia Niemojewska (Poland) won silver and Nathaly Pinelo won the first-ever medal for Guatemala at a 3x3 event.
In the shoot-out contest, Robert Füzi collected bronze while Weronika Nowakowska won gold for Poland and Hamish McDonald (New Zealand) struck silver.
Last but not least, Krisztofer Durazi struck bronze in the dunk contest. Belgium won their first-ever medal at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Championships thanks to the high-flying Zaccharie Mortant. Alberto Perez (Spain) earned a silver medal.
MEDAL COUNT
| Competition | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
| Men's event | Qatar | Brazil | Italy |
| Women's event | France | USA | Spain |
| Dunk Contest | Zaccharie Mortant (BEL) | Alberto Perez (ESP) | Krisztofer Durazi (HUN) |
| Skills Contest | Veronika Kanyasi (HUN) | Julia Niemojewska (POL) | Nathaly Pinelo (GUA) |
| Shoot-Out Contest | Weronika Nowakoswka (POL) | Hamish McDonald (NZL) | Robert Füzi (HUN) |
TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT
MEN: Fabricio Verissimo (BRA)*; Flavio Gay (ITA); Tai Wynyard (NZL)
WOMEN: Astou Gaye (FRA)*; Sara Krumpholcova (CZE); Megan Walker (USA)
* Denotes Tournament MVP
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ABOUT FIBA 3X3
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 benefitted from the launch of a yearly city-based FIBA 3x3 World Tour (www.fiba.basketball/3x3worldtour) and national-team world championships.
Nike is FIBA 3x3's Founding Partner.
FIBA 3x3 events are played on Sport Court's floors with Schelde backstops and benefit from Wilson's innovative and specially-made ball for 3x3.
For further information about 3x3, visit fiba.com/3x3, FIBA 3x3 accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube or contact 3x3@fiba.com.
FIBA