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BRATISLAVA (FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - The Czech Republic overcame a sluggish start to post a 109-91 win over their Japanese counterparts on Thursday on day one of the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women.

Japan were quick out of the blocks with an impressive showing in the first period. Chisa Yoshida’s three-pointer gave Japan a 27-22 lead with 1minute 13seconds to play in the first quarter but then the Czechs produced a spurt to end the first quarter 29-27 to the good.

Thereafter there was no way back for the Japanese as the Czech women slowly turned the screw.

They had extended their lead to 51-43 by the midway point and were 80-66 before further extending their lead in the final period.

Kamila Stepanova was outstanding for the Czechs with 23 points and 15 rebounds making things difficult for the Asian side.

She, and Japan’s Eri Nakahata who also poured in 23, were pipped to top-scoring honours by Katerina Elhotova who had 24 points for the Europeans.

Romana Hejdova and Andrea Ovsikova both had 16 points while Katerina Bartonova made 12 for the Czechs.

Impressive in defeat for Japan were Nakahata, Reika Takahashi (21 points), Mori Mutya (19 points and 12 boards) and Naomi Hayashi (14) while Rina Tomizaki added 10.

Eva Zelena
FIBA