Group A review - Revenge for Belarus; Aussies pull away from Canada

OSTRAVA (2010 FIBA World Championship for Women) - Belarus and Australia claimed wins in Group A on the opening day of the FIBA World Championship for Women in Ostrava.

Yelena Leuchanka, despite missing all of her national team's preparations while playing in the WNBA with the Atlanta Dream, led Belarus with 20 points and 12 rebounds in a 68-57 win over China.

After the victory Leuchanka visited with FIBATV.com.

The result was partial revenge for Belarus, who were knocked out in the Quarter-Finals of the 2008 Olympics by China.

"We didn't have much information about the new China team, but we very much remembered the last game of the China Olympics," Belarus coach Anatoli Buyalski said.

Belarus led for most of the game but fell behind late in the third quarter when Miao Lijie's two free-throws gave the Chinese a 46-45 advantage.

Tatyana Troina replied with a three-ball for Belarus, though, and they never trailed again.

"I knew this game would be very difficult," Buyalski said.

"I know they have had a lot of changes in the team, but knew China had a lot of time to prepare for this championship.”

Belarus out-rebounded China 46-33 and also held the Far East giants to just 14 of 38 shooting (37%) from inside the arc.

In the other Group A game on Thursday, defending champions Australia pulled away from a gritty Canada in the second half and won 72-47.

The Opals raced into an 18-3 lead but instead of watching the Oceania team deliver an early knockout, fans saw the Canadians claw their way back.

A three-point play by Canada's Kimberley Smith cut the Australian lead to 41-35 but Canada got no closer.

They trailed 52-38 by the end of the third quarter and ended up falling by a large margin.

"We knew Canada would never give up," Australia point guard Kristi Harrower said.

Australia coach Carrie Graf, who rested 2006 FIBA World Championship MVP Penny Taylor because of a back problem, said: "Credit to Canada. They play like the Australia of old. They were physical ..."

Both Harrower and Lauren Jackson had 13 points.

Jackson, who only just joined the side after firing Seattle to the WNBA title last week, also led the Aussies with seven rebounds.

Canada coach Allison McNeill praised her players.

"I'm so proud of our team getting here," she said.

"We have just three players from the last Worlds - it's like coming out with a new team.

"I once saw a freshman (Canada's 17-year-old Natalie Achonwa) at Notre Dame guarding Lauren Jackson and she drew a foul (charge) and made two free throws.

"We're young and we've come a long way."

Group A games live on FIBATV.com September 24:

China vs. Canada - 11.00 GMT - Live on FIBATV.com
Australia vs. Belarus - 13.15 GMT - Live on FIBATV.com

FIBA