HANCHUAN (China) – Lausanne (SUI) produced a sensational Sunday performance to capture the inaugural FIBA 3×3 Hanchuan Challenger 2026, defeating Skyliners (GER) 22-14 in the Final at the picturesque Tianyu Lake Scenic Area.

After emerging from Pool A despite an opening-day loss to Lausanne, Skyliners looked poised for revenge in the Final. Instead, the Swiss side delivered another clinical display behind MVP Natan Jurkovitz and Jonathan Kazadi to finish an unforgettable weekend in style.

The Winner

Lausanne enjoyed an opening victory over Princeton to tip off the tournament’s most impressive run. After upsetting fourth-ranked Skyliners in pool play, the Swiss side carried that momentum into the Final.

Kazadi starred in a convincing 21-14 Quarter-Final victory over Valencia Basket (ESP) before Lausanne produced one of the performances of the tournament in the Semi-Finals. Kazadi poured in 10 points as Lausanne buried seven two-pointers to overwhelm home favorites Shanghai (CHN) 22-10, ending the contest with more than four minutes remaining.

The Final followed a similar script. Lausanne stormed to a quick start before extending the margin to 17-9 midway through the contest through crisp ball movement and efficient shooting. Skyliners never found an answer as Lausanne sealed their first Challenger stop win of the 2026 season.

Jurkovitz was deservedly named tournament MVP after stuffing the stat sheet throughout the weekend. He finished first in rebounds (30), offensive rebounds (16), dunks (6) and double-fives (2), while ranking among the tournament leaders in player value (42.2) and one-point field goals made.

The Runner-up

Skyliners once again demonstrated why they have been among the Pro Circuit’s most consistent teams this season.

Stefan Kojic made an immediate impact in his return from several weeks of rest, helping the German side defeat Princeton before finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with 36 points. After falling to Lausanne in pool play, Skyliners bounced back by eliminating Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) in the Quarter-Finals before Kojic erupted for 14 points to inspire a comeback victory over Taipei WanBao (TPE) in the Semi-Finals.

Although they were unable to avenge their earlier defeat against Lausanne, Skyliners left Hanchuan with another podium finish and a well-earned FIBA 3×3 World Tour qualification.

The Final

The title game quickly turned into a showcase for Lausanne’s relentless pace and execution.

The Swiss side raced to an early 9-3 lead and never allowed Skyliners to establish any rhythm offensively. Every German rally was answered by timely baskets as Lausanne consistently found quality looks inside and beyond the arc.

Thomas Jurkovitz contributed seven points in the Final, while Kazadi and the rest of the Swiss attack maintained constant pressure. Titouan Vannay fittingly delivered the Final blow with the decisive two-pointer as Lausanne wrapped up a commanding 22-14 victory.

The Reward

Lausanne, Skyliners and Taipei WanBao were rewarded for their impressive performances in Hanchuan by securing qualification to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour TBC 2026 stop, keeping their Pro Circuit momentum alive heading into the latter stages of the season.

Final Standings:

1. Lausanne (SUI) – qualified to WT TBC
2. Skyliners (GER) – qualified to WT TBC
3. Taipei WanBao (TPE) – qualified to WT TBC
4. Shanghai (CHN)
5. RaudondvarisHoptrans (LTU)

Top Scorers:

1. Stefan Kojic (Skyliners) – 36 pts
2. Cameron Forte (Shanghai) – 31 pts
3. Jonathan Kazadi (Lausanne) – 28 pts
4. Aurelijus Pukelis (Raudondvaris Hoptrans) – 27 pts
5. Petar Ivanovic (Taipei WanBao) – 27 pts

What’s Next

The inaugural FIBA 3×3 Hanchuan Challenger delivered another memorable chapter in the 2026 Pro Circuit. Lausanne claimed their first Challenger title of the year through a dominant Championship Sunday performance. Meanwhile, Skyliners continued their excellent campaign with another podium finish, and Taipei WanBao impressed with a breakthrough run to the Semi-Finals after upsetting Antwerp in pool play. The Challenger circuit now moves to Uenohara (Japan) and FISE Birmingham (USA) on August 8-9, where more World Tour tickets will be up for grabs.

Stay Connected

Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3×3 World Tour throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official World Tour website, where you can find the latest news, team standings, player statistics and everything you need to follow the Race to the Final. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3×3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.

Want to learn more about 3×3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3×3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3×3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.

FIBA

HANCHUAN (China) – The road to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour reaches another pivotal stop as the FIBA 3×3 Hanchuan Challenger 2026 brings together a deep field of international contenders at the scenic Tianyu Lake Scenic Area on August 1-2.

As the 15th Challenger of the season, Hanchuan represents another major opportunity for teams chasing a place among the elite. With only the top three finishers earning qualification to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour TBC stop, every possession will carry added significance in one of the strongest Challenger fields of the year.

Skyliners (GER) lead the hopefuls. They have enjoyed a breakthrough campaign and currently sit fourth in the overall World Tour standings. Their balanced attack and disciplined execution have made them one of the most consistent teams of the season as they look to add a second Challenger title to their impressive resume.

Close behind are Shanghai (CHN), currently fifth overall, with World Cup champion Karlis Lasmanis providing the leadership and experience needed to thrive on the biggest stages. Belgian powerhouse Antwerp (BEL), ranked seventh this season, also arrive with genuine title ambitions behind the dynamic play of Jonas Foerts, who was named MVP of the recent Batam Challenger.

Lithuanian side Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) continue to be one of the circuit’s toughest teams, with versatile veteran Evaldas Džiaugys leading a roster capable of making another deep tournament run. Meanwhile, home hopes Hangzhou Jingwei (CHN), currently 15th overall, will count on experienced playmaker Goran Vidovic to spearhead their challenge.

The field extends well beyond the top seeds. Taipei WanBao (TPE), currently 33rd in the standings, possesses the firepower to trouble any opponent with Leo Branquinho leading the way, while Valencia Basket (ESP) and Princeton (USA) will both be eager to secure their first World Tour qualification of the season. Valencia boasts the interior presence of Iván Aurrecoechea, while Princeton will rely on the scoring ability of Jerome Desrosiers to spark a breakthrough performance.

Several of the Pro Circuit’s standout individual performers will also be on display, including Niklas Kropp (Skyliners), whose all-around game has been instrumental to his team’s rise, alongside Lasmanis, Foerts, Džiaugys, Vidovic, Branquinho, Aurrecoechea and Desrosiers, giving fans plenty of star power to watch throughout the weekend.

Full Seeding List

1. Skyliners (GER)
2. Antwerp (BEL)
3. Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU)
4. Shanghai (CHN)
5. Hangzhou Jingwei (CHN)
6. Valencia Basket (ESP)
7. Taipei WanBao (TPE)
8. Princeton (USA)
9. Lausanne (SUI)
10. Xi’an (CHN)
11. Los Angeles (USA)
12. Beijing (CHN)
13. Port Dickson (KL)
14. Kharkhorum (MGL)
15. Lion City (SGP)
16. Zivinice (BIH)

Qualifying Draw

Qualifying Draw A: Los Angeles (USA), Kharkhorum (MGL), Lion City (SGP)
Qualifying Draw B: 12. Beijing (CHN), Port Dickson (KL), Zivinice (BIH)

Main Draw

Pool A: 1. Skyliners (GER), Princeton (USA), Lausanne (SUI)
Pool B: Antwerp (BEL), Taipei WanBao (TPE), Xi’an (CHN)
Pool C: Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), Valencia Basket (ESP), QD A
Pool D: Shanghai (CHN), Hangzhou Jingwei (CHN), QD B

Road to the World Tour

With three FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026 tickets on the line, every game in Hanchuan carries enormous importance. In a field packed with proven contenders, rising challengers and experienced veterans, there will be little room for error as teams battle for a place on the sport’s biggest stage.

Fans can expect the trademark mix of long-range shooting, spectacular finishes and relentless defense that has defined the Challenger season, as Hanchuan becomes the latest battleground in the race to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour.

Stay Connected

Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3×3 World Tour throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official World Tour website, where you can find the latest news, team standings, player statistics and everything you need to follow the Race to the Final. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3×3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.

Want to learn more about 3×3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3×3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3×3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.

FIBA