Chennai, Sep 18 - India crashed to their second defeat as they went down 61-84 to Chinese Taipei, in the 23rd Asian Basketball Championship for women, here Friday.

While the result was along expected lines, the hosts, who had lost to defending champions Korea Thursday night, put up a brave fight, but their best was not enough against Taipei who have consistently figured in the top-four bracket in the tournament.

If the Indians were overwhelmed Thursday night, then on Friday they put in an improved performance, and yet, just did not have the kind of defence to keep the Taipei players in check.

There was considerable excitement as India took a 16-9 lead by the third minute before Taipei bounced back, especially after the home team pulled out skipper Geetu Anna Jose at the fag-end of the first quarter.

Taipei needed no second invitation and they piled on the pressure to forge ahead. Thereafter, the Indians were hard pressed to contain their opponents who went on a scoring spree to eventually win with a comfortable margin.

Coach J.B. Singh, when queried about team tactics, said: 'Assistant coach Dinesh Mitchell is the right person to answer your queries. He is the person who decides on the training and combinations for a match.'

There was a bit of a to-do when the FIVB media officer insisted that he respond to the question since it was the chief coach and captain who addressed the media conference after the game.