CHENGDU, China — The vibrant streets of Chengdu’s Jiaozi Music Square came alive this weekend as the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Tour Chengdu Masters delivered a high-octane spectacle of speed, skill, and clutch basketball. Over two days of competition, 12 of the world’s top teams battled for Olympic qualification, with top seeds Ub (SRB) and Liman (SRB) setting the pace and a series of thrilling upsets keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

The event, held May 2–3 at the iconic venue, marked a pivotal stop on the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, with the top teams vying for points toward the Olympic Games. The atmosphere was electric, drawing basketball enthusiasts from across China and beyond.

Top Seeds Ub and Liman Lead the Charge

Ub, the world’s No. 1-ranked team, lived up to expectations with a dominant start. In their opening match, they cruised past Bordeaux (FRA), 21–12, before holding off DeQing (CHN), 21–16, in a hard-fought Pool A clash. Their unbeaten record entering the knockout rounds underscored their status as favorites for the weekend.

Just as impressive was Liman (SRB), who arrived in Chengdu riding momentum from their recent victory at the Utsunomiya Opener. The Serbian squad went unbeaten on Day 1, with their standout performance against Skyliners (GER) showcasing their blend of precision passing and relentless defense.

Clutch shots and upsets headline thrilling opening day in Chengdu.

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Upsets and Drama Define the Weekend

While Ub and Liman dominated the headlines, the tournament was far from predictable. In Pool B, DeQing (CHN) stunned the field with a series of clutch plays, including a late-game surge against a lower-seeded opponent. Their resilience highlighted the depth of the competition and the unpredictable nature of 3×3 basketball.

In another upset, Bordeaux (FRA) nearly pulled off a shock victory in their second match, only to fall just short in overtime. The back-and-forth nature of the games kept fans engaged and underscored the tournament’s high stakes.

By the conclude of Day 1, the top two teams from each of the four pools advanced to the knockout rounds, setting the stage for a high-stakes final day.

Knockout Rounds: A Battle for Olympic Qualification

Day 2 saw the knockout rounds unfold in rapid-fire fashion, with teams trading baskets at a breakneck pace. Ub and Liman both advanced to the semifinals, where they faced off against their Pool rivals. Ub’s experience and composure under pressure proved decisive, as they edged out their semifinal match before claiming the championship in a hard-fought final.

Liman (SRB) secured the runner-up spot, cementing their status as one of the tour’s most consistent teams. Their performance earned them additional points toward Olympic qualification, a critical milestone for the Serbian squad.

The top four teams—Ub, Liman, Skyliners (GER), and DeQing (CHN)—will now carry their momentum into the next stop on the World Tour, with eyes on the upcoming Zadar event.

Standout Performances and Key Takeaways

Several players stood out during the Chengdu Masters, with their performances shaping the tournament’s outcome:

• Niklas Kropp (GER, Skyliners): Kropp’s defensive intensity and clutch shooting were instrumental in Skyliners’ deep run. His ability to read the game and make game-saving plays earned him recognition as one of the tournament’s best players.
• DeQing (CHN) squad: The Chinese team’s resilience and teamwork were on full display, with their players showcasing a mix of speed and strategic play. Their late-game comebacks were a highlight of the weekend.
• Serbian dominance: With both Ub and Liman advancing to the semifinals, Serbia’s depth and talent were undeniable. Their ability to perform under pressure will be a key factor in their Olympic qualification campaign.

The tournament also served as a proving ground for younger players, with several rising stars making their mark on the world stage.

What’s Next for the World Tour?

The FIBA 3×3 World Tour continues its global journey with the next stop in Zadar, Croatia, where the top teams will look to build on their Chengdu momentum. The race for Olympic qualification remains wide open, with every point counting toward the final standings.

For fans, the next opportunity to catch the action live will be during the Zadar event, scheduled for May 16–17. The tournament’s dynamic format and high-stakes atmosphere ensure that 3×3 basketball remains one of the most exciting sports on the calendar.

Key Takeaways

• Ub (SRB) claimed the championship, with Liman (SRB) finishing as runner-up, both advancing in the Olympic qualification race.
• DeQing (CHN) and Skyliners (GER) delivered standout performances, showcasing the depth of the global 3×3 scene.
• Serbia’s dominance continues, with both top teams securing critical points for the Olympic Games.
• Upsets and clutch finishes defined the tournament, highlighting the unpredictable and fast-paced nature of 3×3 basketball.
• The next stop is Zadar, Croatia, where the race for Olympic qualification heats up.

How to Follow the FIBA 3×3 World Tour

For updates on the World Tour, including live scores, standings, and player highlights, visit the official FIBA 3×3 World Tour standings page. Fans can also follow the action on social media via @FIBA and @FIBA3x3WT.