Veteran Gao makes history as Sichuan sails past Guangdong in WCBA season opener

Veteran forward Gao Song became the first player to play 20 seasons in the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) league as Sichuan started its title defense with a 93-67 home victory over Guangdong in the 2026-27 season opener on Saturday.

The 34-year-old Gao, a member of China's title-winning squad at the 2023 FIBA Women's Asia Cup, had five points and four rebounds in 21 minutes.

Four Sichuan players scored in double figures, with last season's leading scorer Chennedy Carter leading the way with 20 points. Kalani Brown, who also joined Sichuan during the offseason, finished with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Led by Carter and Brown, Sichuan showed its attacking prowess for a 24-11 lead after the first quarter.

After Sichuan carried a 15-point advantage into halftime, Carter had seven points in a row to keep the defending champion well ahead in the third quarter and Guangdong never threatened afterwards.

Before the game, Sichuan received its championship rings and raised its third championship banner in franchise history.

With coach-player Huang Sijing sidelined, Guangdong saw young players step up to carry the load, with 23-year-old Gao Ziyue scoring nine points and 21-year-old Zhong Ziyin contributing seven.