Small forward Jamal Abu-Shamala was the star of the show for the Palestinian team as he claimed 26 points and 15 rebounds in the Chinese host city Changsha.

The Philippines, the runners-up on home turf at the last edition in 2013, had opened up a 27-12 lead at the end of the first quarter but they only led 45-40 at the break as Palestine came roaring back.

By the end of the third quarter Philippines were 58-55 in front before Palestine completed their comeback.

Elsewhere on opening day in Group B, Hong Kong thrashed Kuwait 87-50 to go top.

In Group C, hosts China also enjoyed an emphatic win as they dispatched Singapore 91-42, while elsewhere in the group South Korea beat Jordan 87-60.

Defending champions Iran began with an 86-48 win over Japan in Group A, which also saw a 102-73 win for India over Malaysia.

In Group D, Lebanon beat Chinese Taipei 92-87 while overtime was needed to separate Qatar and Kazakhstan after a 71-71 draw.

It was Qatar who eventually came through after the extra action, winning 79-75. 

The top three countries in each of the four team groups will advance to the second round groups in Changsha, with the overall winners booking a spot at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Three places are also up for grabs at the Olympic qualifying tournament.



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