BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:

1. China beats World Cup debutant Curacao in coach Shao's competitive debut

China defeated World Cup-bound Curacao 2-0 in a FIFA Series match at Stadium Australia in Sydney on March 27, marking a victorious start for its head coach Shao Jiayi.

The opener came in first half injury time on a counter-attack, with Wei Shihao scoring from inside the box following a Zhang Yuning header to give China a 1-0 halftime lead.

Curacao brought on several players in an attempt to bolster its attack, but China doubled the lead in the 59th minute. Zhang capitalized on a poor clearance inside the penalty area, firing a first-time left-footed shot into the net.

China will face Cameroon in Melbourne on March 31.

2. 1,790 athletes to compete in Sanya Asian Beach Games

With 30 days to go until the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, the organizing committee announced on March 23 that a total of 1,790 athletes have been confirmed to take part.

According to the organizers, national and regional Olympic committees from 45 countries and regions have signed up for the event. Following qualification reviews, the number of registered athletes stood at 1,790 as of March 20.

The Games will feature 14 sports, 15 disciplines and 62 events. The women's beach football event has been canceled due to an insufficient number of teams, while all other events will go ahead as planned.

Organizers also announced that the torch relay for the Games will be held on March 30.

3. China U-23 football team draws with Thailand at International Youth Tournament

China U-23 men's football team came from 2-0 down to draw with Thailand U-23 team 2-2 at the 2026 International Youth Tournament on March 25.

In January, the two sides played out a goalless tie at the 2026 U23 Asian Cup's group stage. China made massive changes in the starting line-up as some key players were called up by the senior side.

In the 22nd minute, Jehhanafee Mamah gave Thailand a 1-0 lead through a powerful volley. In the 35th minute, Bao Shimeng's error allowed Chawanwit Sealao to make it 2-0 for the away side.

Xiang Yuwang pulled one back for the home side in the 49th minute. 18 minutes later, substitute striker Li Xinxiang leveled the game from close range on Chen Zeshi's long pass.

4. Wang's late 3-pointer helps Team South win WCBA All-Star Game

Chinese international Wang Jiaqi made a late 3-pointer as Team South edged Team North 113-110 in the 2025-26 Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) All-Star Game on March 22.

The game was tied at 110-110 heading into the final minute, before Wang's clutch shot secured Team South's win.

Chen Mingling led Team South with 22 points and 10 rebounds, and was named Most Valuable Player.

Also in the day, Xinjiang guard Zhang Libin won the skills challenge, and Zhejiang guard Dong Ke'er claimed the 3-point contest title.

5. Li, Xing break China's national records in athletics

Shandong athlete Li Chenyang set a new Chinese national record in the men's pole vault, clearing 5.86 meters at the fourth leg of the 2026 National Pole Vault Series on March 25.

The mark improved the previous national record of 5.85m by one centimeter, a height jointly held by Li and Huang Bokai.

Two days later, Xing Jialiang shattered his own Chinese national record in the men's shot put with a throw of 20.95 meters at the 2026 National Indoor Athletics Championships.

Xing improved his previous record of 20.44m set at last year's National Athletics Championships by 0.51 meters.