Canadian women, men reach semifinals at inaugural 3x3 wheelchair basketball world championships

Canada advanced to the semifinals in both the women's and men's tournaments at the inaugural 3x3 wheelchair basketball world championships on Saturday.

The Canadian women remained undefeated with a commanding 21-3 win over host South Africa 1, setting up a clash with Great Britain on Sunday in Sun City.

Canada's women's team is comprised of Kady Dandeneau of Pender Island, B.C., Tamara Steeves of Mississauga, Ont., Élodie Tessier of Saint-Germain de Grantham, Que., and Toronto's Puisand Lai.

The Canadians defeated South Africa's second team 17-3 earlier in the day to go 3-0 in the group stage. They opened the tournament with back-to-back wins Friday, doubling up Spain 14–7 before thumping Kenya 21–0.

2025 IWBF 3x3 Open Women's World Championships quarterfinal game: Canada vs South Africa 1

The Canadian men advanced to face Austria after edging Australia 12-9 later Saturday.

Canada is represented by Quebec City's Vincent Dallaire, Colin Higgins of Rothesay, N.B., Lee Melymick of Toronto and Garrett Ostepchuk of Regina.

Canada entered the day with a 2-1 record. It opened the tournament with a thrilling 17–15 overtime win over Austria on Friday, with Higgins scoring both points in the extra frame.

"It was tight, but it was a good win, a good start," Ostepchuk said. "I think offensively we were confident, but defensively we needed to be a little bit more reactive and ready."

Canada fell 18–12 to Spain after running into foul trouble but bounced back to defeat Portugal 19–7, securing second place in Pool C.

Watch live coverage of both tournaments on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem, continuing Sunday at 2:50 a.m. ET.

Hosted by Wheelchair Basketball South Africa, the 2025 IWBF 3×3 Open World Championships celebrates the growth of 3×3