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BRATISLAVA (FIBA U19 World Championships for Women) - Hosts Slovakia held off a late challenge from Korea for an opening day 75-72 win on day one of the FIBA U19 World Championships for women.

Danbi Kim missed a potentially game-tying three-pointer on the buzzer as the Asian side fell just short in Group A.

The Slovak women had looked to have the game well under control as they ended the third quarter with a 55-44 lead.

But they had reckoned without the resilience of the Korean women who forced their way back into contention.

In the end only some successful free throws from Janka Mincikova and Kim’s miss prevented overtime.

Minkicova’s 11 points came at crucial times even if she was outscored by team-mates Regina Palusna (20) and Nikola Kovalova (19) while Lucia Krc Turbova also crept into double figures with a 10-point haul.

Palusna had 14 boards to go with her points while Katarina Tetemondova pulled down 18 rebounds in addition to her eight points.

For Korea, the star of a brave if futile performacne was Ajeong Kang who top scored with 22 points.

The only other Korean player to record a double-digit score was Hyejin Park who had 15 points.

Eva Zelena
FIBA