2019 World Cup hosting bid down to Phl vs China

MANILA, Philippines -- There is now a realistic chance for the country to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup after the world governing body's Executive Committee announced that Asia will have its turn to host the event. 

The bid for the hosting rights of the next world basketball championship is now down to Philippines vs China. 

In the report posted on the FIBA's official website last Monday, the winning bid will be known by June.  

"Looking ahead to future editions of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, it was confirmed that the 2019 event will be played in Asia with China and the Philippines as the two candidates left in the race to host it. FIBA's Central Board will make this final decision at its meeting in June," the report said. 

"Meanwhile, Germany, Turkey and Qatar are the three bidding to stage the competition in 2023, with a decision on the host expected in 2016. The Evaluation Commission is expected to visit the bidding countries once the 2015 continental championships have concluded," the report added. 

The FIBA Evaluation Commission accompanied by FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann visited the country early this year to gauge the readiness of the country to stage such a big event and left impressed. 

An automatic slot in the expanded 32-nation tournament will be awarded to the host.

The country has regained its once lofty status back in the world basketball after its one-win showing in the last World Cup in Spain.   Gilas Pilipinas' magical run that started with the country's successful hosting of the FIBA Asia Men's Championships two years ago has re-introduced the Philippines' brand of game and its fans' unparalleled passion to the world.  The country even was recognized by the FIBA in the recent World Cup with the Most Valuable Fan (MVF) award.  

The Philippines last hosted the world championships in 1978.