Perth Lynx superstar Han Xu has received the all-clear to play in Sunday's crucial Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) clash against the Bendigo Spirit, after fears of a serious knee injury were thankfully dismissed. The towering Chinese centre can now focus on exacting revenge for what she perceived as overly aggressive targeting during their previous encounter at HoopsFest.
Injury Scare Over, Focus Turns to On-Court Statement
Xu sustained a knee knock during Tuesday's victory over the Southside Melbourne Flyers, causing immediate concern for the Lynx camp. However, medical assessments confirmed the issue was merely a painful clash of legs, with no structural damage detected. Remarkably, the 211cm international did not even require scans, highlighting the minor nature of the setback.
This clearance comes as a massive relief for Perth, as they prepare for a blockbuster fixture that carries significant finals implications. Xu is reportedly determined to make a powerful statement on the court, responding directly to the physical approach Bendigo employed against her earlier in the season.
Coaching Fury and League-Wide Concerns
Lynx head coach Ryan Petrik expressed outrage following the HoopsFest match, warning that such persistent physical tactics could deter international stars from competing in the Australian league in future. His comments underscored the seriousness with which the club views the treatment of their marquee player.
Perth's General Manager, Chris Earl, elaborated on the situation, confirming that discussions have been held with league officials. "She's obviously attracted a lot more physicality than she is used to, so we are keeping a real eye on that," Earl stated. "But she is ready to go and wants to prove a point. We have had conversations and the league is aware of our position."
Team Built Around a Superstar
Earl emphasised Xu's central role in the team's structure and her eagerness to perform. "Our team will put things in place to protect her and we will back her in. She's a superstar," he said. "She's already proven how good she is across her career. I'm sure she'll want to go out there and perform. She's really keen for us to win, and having her available is huge."
This sentiment echoes coach Petrik's preseason declaration that the Lynx roster was specifically constructed around Xu's unique talents and presence, making her availability for critical matches paramount.
High-Stakes Battle for Finals Positioning
The timing of this fixture could not be more dramatic. The Lynx capitalised on Bendigo's surprise Friday night loss to the lowly Geelong Venom, leapfrogging them into second place on the ladder. Both teams now hold identical 16-5 records with just two regular season games remaining.
Sunday's winner will seize control of their own destiny in the race for a coveted top-two finish. Such a position guarantees home court advantage throughout the finals series, a significant advantage in the pursuit of a championship.
Perth's final match is against seventh-placed Sydney, while Bendigo faces the daunting task of taking on ladder leaders Townsville. This makes the direct clash between the Lynx and Spirit a virtual elimination match for second spot.
No Easy Task Against a Wounded Opponent
Despite the favourable circumstances, Earl cautioned against overconfidence. "That would give us home court advantage in the finals but we know we are facing a very good team who are at home and they are wounded. This game is not going to be easy," he admitted.
The GM stressed the need for continued focus and execution, noting the team must also look beyond Sunday. "We have to continue our form and take all of the steps because we have another game to go after this. The beauty is that now our destiny is in our own hands, if we can do everything right."
All eyes will now be on Red Energy Arena this Sunday, where Han Xu's return from injury adds a compelling personal narrative to an already high-stakes WNBL showdown.
