ANKARA (FIBA World Championship for Women) - The relief was sketched right across the face of Saziye Ivegin after Turkey opened their FIBA World Championship for Women campaign with a nail-biting and gripping success against France.

The veteran's cheeks expanded and her shoulders moved up and down in unison, as she simultaneously exhaled a huge sigh of relief after the hosts sneaked past France 50-48.

"I really can't explain how happy I am with that win," said Ivegin.

We always have a close and intense game against France, so you end up feeling relieved and extra happy to succeed. - Ivegin

"We knew how important this game was for all of us and for the fans and the tournament too."

Behind the headline performances, Ivegin did what she has been doing throughout her career with the national team - providing the glue to hold everything together.

She played over 23 minutes and sunk her only shot of the game - a huge three-pointer in the second half as Turkey clawed their way back into contention.

It is the kind of know-how which has put Turkey onto a couple of podiums in recent years and her experience was priceless.

Turkey had to come back from a 10-point deficit at the interval having had a nightmare time offensively in the second period, when only registering three points.

"We have played so many games with this type of pressure," said the small forward.

"We know that we can play in any situation - whether we are the team who are 10 points up, or like in today's game - losing by that number of points.

"We worked very hard in the second half and again showed we have a strong mentality."

Turkey play Canada on Sunday in their second game in Group B.

FIBA