South Korea has advanced to the semifinals at the Asian men's basketball championship in the Philippines, defeating Qatar 79 to 52.

Forward Cho Sung-min led Friday's victory in Manila scoring 16 points. Qatar's star player Jarvis Hayes left the game in the third quarter due to an ankle injury. 

On Saturday, the team will play against the Philippines to win its berth to the Basketball World Cup in Spain next year.

In the event South Korea falls to the host nation, it could still qualify for its first world championship in 16 years through a third-place match against either Iran or Taiwan. 

Iran won the quarterfinal match against Jordan 94 to 50. Taiwan defeated China 96 to 78.