BELGRADE, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Australia, France, China and Serbia marked their first victories here on Thursday's opening day of the qualification tournament for the 2022 FIBA Women's World Cup.
Australia overcame Brazil in Group A in the day's first match, winning 65-52 as Bec Allen scored 16 points and Marianna Tolo added 12. Mariane De Carvalho scored 13 points for Brazil.
In the second Group A match, Serbia edged South Korea 65-62 in a stunning finish, owing their victory to precise free-throws of Yvonne Anderson, who scored 13 points along with 9 rebounds and 7 assists.
In Group B, China easily overcame Nigeria 90-76, displaying great shape, shooting precision and agility both in offense and defense. Li Meng and Li Yueru had 19 points each and Han Xu 15 in China's triumph.
France defeated Mali 77-66 in a display of teamwork with six players scoring double digits, spearheaded by Mamignan Toure's 14 points.
Eight teams are competing in two groups in Belgrade until February 13 for a place among the 12 teams at the World Cup in Australia in September.
Three teams from each of the groups will qualify, with Olympic champions the United States and hosts Australia qualifying automatically. Besides the tournament in Belgrade, two more tournaments are held in Osaka, Japan and Washington, U.S.. ■
