BEIJING, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has announced that six foreign referees will officiate the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) semifinals and finals, marking the first time in the league's 23-year history.

The referees include Japan's Urushima Daigo, Yana Nikogossyan of Kazakhstan, Kim Bo-hui of South Korea, Malaysia's Chan Owe Shiong, Suebpong Wichaiphin of Thailand, and Leong Chuen Wing of Singapore. All have extensive experience officiating major competitions, including the FIBA World Cup and Asia Cup.

Their participation in China follows the CBA's successful initiative of inviting overseas referees for the men's league playoffs last season.

The CBA also revealed plans to continue inviting high-level foreign referees for the men's league this season, aiming to help Chinese referees, players, and coaches better understand international refereeing standards and philosophies.

The WCBA semifinals kicked off on Friday, with defending champion Sichuan taking the initiative in the best-of-five series with a 79-74 road victory over Shanxi.

The opening game of the other semifinal, between Dongguan and Inner Mongolia, is scheduled for Saturday evening. Enditem