MURCIA (FIBA World Championship for Women) - There was heartache for Laura Herrera, Cristina Ouvina and Queralt Casas after the trio were told they would not be handed a roster place with Spain at the forthcoming FIBA World Championship for Women.

There was particular disappointment for Ouvina and Casas, who both won gold at EuroBasket Women in France last year and while they may have always been at risk of losing their places, it was perhaps a surprise that both were overlooked.

"All three have done an outstanding job," insisted head coach Lucas Mondelo.

"We had to start reducing the number of players training with the team and this has been a very painful decision.

"I truly believe that the 16 could all travel to Turkey, but unfortunately we can only carry 12.

"Due to the work shown and physical condition in which Ouvina arrived, it proved very difficult to leave out a EuroBasket Women champion.

"But in this position it has been the arrival of other players who bring other things that interest us for our general configuration.

"It is one of the great virtues of Spanish basketball - competitiveness and constant renewal.

"Besides, I'm sure due to her youth and ability, Ouvina will be back with us in the near future."

The coach also noted the evolution and maturity of Casas, while praising the development of Herrera.

"She (Herrera) has proven she has the quality to compete for a spot in the paint.

"She has also matured a lot this season and operates seamlessly within her strengths.

"But even in the paint, there is little room for manoeuvre and the big decision over our frontcourt players for the World Championship is a question that we have to clear up (at our next preparation tournament) in Minsk."

Mondelo will hand major tournament debuts in Ankara to at least one of his remaining players as he only has two more cuts to make from the 14 left on the list and one of those must be either Sancho Lyttle or Astou Ndour in the naturalised position.

This means that Leticia Romero or Leonor Rodriguez, or indeed both guards, could get to suit up.

FIBA