By Gary Anderson

Defending champions the US proved too strong for China in their quarter-final match at the FIBA Under-17 World Championships ©Getty ImagesThe United States have moved a step closer to winning a third FIBA Under-17 World Championship title after cruising passed China 113-71 in their quarter-final to set up a clash with Serbia, who secured a first ever semi-final spot with a win over Canada.

Australia will meet Spain in the other semi-final as the Championships reach the business end in Dubai.

This is the third edition of the Championships, first held in Hamburg in 2010, and the US are yet to lose a match in the history of the tournament.

Henry Ellenson led the way for the two-time defending champions in Dubai today notching 21 points and he was ably assisted by Diamond Stone with 17, Malik Newman with 16 and Harry Giles, who registered 12 points as the US displayed their class.

Despite the efforts of Fu Hao and Hu Jianqiu who top-scored with 16 and 14 points respectively, the Chinese could not match their opponents' greater skill and firepower.

Henry Ellenson was the top scorer for the US as they set up a semi-final clash with Serbia ©Getty ImagesHenry Ellenson was the top scorer for the US as they set up a semi-final clash with Serbia ©Getty Images



It was a much closer affair between Serbia and 2010 bronze medal winners Canada who were locked at 60 points apiece with four minutes to go.

The Serbs had led 47-40 at halftime but, inspired by Jamal Murray, who finished the game with 24 points, Canada fought back in the third quarter to lead by six points at one stage.

But Serbian sharpshooter Vanja Marinkovic stepped up when it mattered to land three baskets to give his side a 67-62 with just under two minutes remaining.

The Serbs held on to record a famous win and a shot at dethroning the US.

Australia, runners-up last time out in Kaunas, Lithuania, remained on course for a second successive final appearance with a relatively comfortable win over Puerto Rico.

The Australians were 41-26 ahead at the halftime break thanks in the main to 19 points from Dejan Vasiljevic.

Araldo Toro led a mini fightback from Puerto Rico in the third quarter helping to cut the deficit to 46-38 but Isaac Humphries landed some vital baskets to help his side eventually run out 76-52.

Despite the best efforts of Jamal Murray, Canada could not overcome Serbia who reached their first ever semi-final ©Getty ImagesDespite the best efforts of Jamal Murray, Canada could not overcome Serbia who reached their first ever semi-final ©Getty Images



The Australians will take on Spanish side who emerged with a narrow 71-67 victory over neighbours France to reach a second consecutive semi-final.

Both sides were evenly matched throughout the first two quarters with Spain holding a seven point lead at the midway point thanks to three-pointers from Jorge Turbica and Sergi Garcia before the buzzer.

Spain extended that lead by four points by the end of the third period but nine unanswered points from Stephane Gombauld early in the fourth saw France regain the initiative and lead 61-59.

Three-pointers apiece for Garcia and Pablo Perez helped the Spanish edge back in front with a minute remaining before two Garcia free-throws secured a 71-67 win.

Tomorrow will see the semi-finals taking place while the bronze and gold medal matches are scheduled for the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Sports Complex on Saturday (August 16).

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