The defending champions, the United States, defeated Belgium 87-72 to open the Women’s Basketball World Cup in Australia.
| The US defending champion, playing in white, beat the Belgians, the bronze medalists in Europe in the first round (Image: AFP) |
The United States, who have won the previous three World Cups, beat Belgium in the first round of the World Cup held in Sydney, Australia, 87-72 in a match that was perhaps a little closer than expected. In the first quarter, the Americans advanced by ten points and continued to make a good lead, the Belgians won the second and fourth quarters with one point each, but the victory of the defending champion was not in danger. The leader of the Americans was Breanna Stewart, who scored 22 points.
In the second set, European champion Serbia lost to Canada, and Sopron’s Nevena Jovanovic scored five points. In today’s rally, hosts Australia will play Europe’s silver medalist France.
19. Women’s Basketball World Championships, Sydney (Australia)
First round (22 September)
the group
Bosnia and HerzegovinaPuerto Rico 58-82
United State– Belgium 87-72
Later
South Korea and China
group b
Canada– Serbia 67-60
Later
Japan and Mali
Australia and France
