Burgrova's debt of gratitude to Blazek

ANKARA (FIBA World Championship for Women) - Ilona Burgrova is playing at the FIBA World Championship for Women with the Czech Republic for a second time and the forward claims it's all down to Lubor Blazek.

The play-caller dealt the forward a break four years ago, when he handed her the chance to represent her country at the senior level for the first time at a major tournament - at the age of 26.

"I have coach Blazek to thank for actually selecting me for the previous FIBA World Championship and it's been great from a personal development point of view to play with the national team," said Burgrova.

It's been an amazing four-year journey for me and has also included a trip to the Olympics. - Burgrova

It was quite a debut to make for Burgrova in 2010 as the hosts made their stunning run to the Final of the competition on home soil.

This time around, the Czechs find their hopes balanced on a knife edge after losing out on the top spot in Group A following a 67-43 loss to Spain.

They must win their last game in Ankara if they are to advance to the Quarter-Finals and avoid a flight home to Prague earlier than wanted.

"I think experience will be the key in trying to get to the Quarter-Finals by winning this next important game," said Burgrova.

"The players with the most experience are really going to have to come out and step things up.

"We just couldn't find the kind of energy levels we had hoped for against Spain.

"We also have two young point guards and we probably have to help them a little more - although I think that Katerina Bartonova has had a very good tournament so far."

Burgrova and her team-mates will face Canada or France in the battle to make it to Istanbul.

FIBA