AUS - Opals play first match tonight

SYDNEY (FIBA World Championship for Women) - The Australian Opals play their first match in a six-match tournament in China this afternoon.

They take on Russia in Bao Shan near Shanghai at 3pm local Chinese time.

Results and a match report will be emailed to media immediately following the match. Match reports and results will also be available across the weekend.

The countdown is on to the FIBA World Championship in Brazil this September, and this tournament will provide essential match practice for the Opals.

After defeating the world's best team, the USA, in a match earlier this year in Canberra, a different Opals line-up will be looking to show the world that they are a true contender for the World Championship crown in Brazil. With seven of our top players currently in the US playing in the WNBA, the athletes heading to China will be fighting it out for spots on the World Championship roster.

The squad will regroup for a camp in Australia in late July and will leave for an extended tour in late August in the lead up to the FIBA World Championship tip off against Lithuania on September 12. The World Championship team will be named in late July.

Opals team for China:
Jacinta Hamilton (Dandenong), Hollie Grima (Bulleen Melbourne), Katrina Hibbert (Bulleen Melbourne), Alicia Poto (Sydney Uni), Renae Camino (Townsville), Deanna Smith (Perth), Kathleen Macleod (Dandenong), Emily McInerny (Dandenong), Emma Randall (Dandenong), Jennifer Screen (Adelaide), Carly Wilson (Dandenong), Jenny Whittle (Canberra).

Staff:
Jan Stirling (head coach), Gary Fox (assistant coach), Cheryl Chambers (assistant coach), Amanda Berntsen (physio), Donna O'Connor (fitness), Scott Burne (doctor), Marian Stewart (operations manager, Brad Giersch (referee).

Basketball Australia