BRNO (2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship) - Czech Republic have got their preparations for Zaragoza off to a winning start after taking down France who are now approaching their final roster.

Both teams met for three warm-up games in Brno and it was the reigning FIBA U16 European Championship Women champions who won the friendly series 2-1.

The Czech Republic won both the first and last of the meetings to underline why they will be one of the teams to beat at the fourth edition of the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship.

Both Tereza Vitulova and Julie Pospisilova reminded everyone of their talent, with the former scoring 13 points in the opening 61-58 success, while Pospisilova landed a nice 11 point haul in the deciding contest as the hosts eased to a 60-51 victory.

Czech Republic face a tough opening phase in Group C as they get set to play Italy, Korea and three-time winners and holders, USA.

Sandwiched in between the two Czech warm-up victories was a morale-boosting 63-49 triumph for France.

Meanwhile, even during both losses, there were positives.

Clara Bretagne had 18 points in one of France's warm-up games with Czech Republic

Clara Bretagne emphasised her playmaking skills and scored 18 points in the final game, while Tima Pouye posted some impressive displays to suggest she will be a marquee player for her team in Spain; she scored 18 points in the first encounter.

France are getting nearer to their final selection as they contemplate Group B openers against Australia, China and Mexico. Head coach Cathy Melain is now down to 14 players after Claire Parisi, Laura Cabe, Hawa Ba and Awa Trasi were released.

FIBA