The pride of Pinto

ANKARA (FIBA World Championship for Women) - Away from the FIBA World Championship for Women fanfare for Sue Bird in Istanbul, another experienced playmaker is making her fourth appearance at the event.

When Brazil veteran Adriana Pinto took to the court in Ankara on Saturday, she also racked up a quartet of appearances in the competition - a sequence stretching all the way back to 2002.

"I do remember the first one, although it was a long time ago," laughed the guard.

Every World Championship I have played in is very special to me and this one is the same. - Pinto

"I am honoured to be here - even if it is in a very different role to before, because I am now doing as much as I can to help the younger players."

While a superb achievement which neatly fits in with her wonderful feat of being a four-time Olympian, Pinto won't be around to join Brazilian legends Hortencia and Janeth Arcain on five World Championship appearances.

"You never know," she said with a smile.

"Maybe one day I might get that fifth appearance from being in a coaching role."

However, it certainly wasn't the kind of performance or result to celebrate her accomplishment.

Brazil lost their Group A opener against the Czech Republic, 68-55, on Saturday.

"Maybe it was because we have a young team with nine or 10 of 12 players playing at their first FIBA World Championship," Pinto emphasised.

"We tried to get back into the game, but it just didn't work.

"I think we have to think about the positive moments we had in the game and go hard in the next one."

Brazil face Spain on Sunday as they search for a precious first victory on Turkish soil.

FIBA