TENERIFE (FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018) - Tournament hosts Spain opened their campaign at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 by seeing off Asian champions Japan 84-71, much to the delight of the thousands in attendance at San Cristóbal de La Laguna's Santiago Martin Arena.

"It's always important to start a championship with a win, especially against Japan because we know it's a difficult opponent who can beat you with three points in 30 seconds so it's important to stay focused on the game for 40 minutes," said Spain captain Laia Palau.

Palau had 9 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds in the win

"I'm proud because we scored 84 points, I think it's good for us and for the people who came to see us are happy and enjoyed it.

"It's something special because even if you cannot hear what the fans shout, you can feel the energy. It's important and I think it will be a big point for us in this championship. It's why we organize it."

Spain, the reigning European champions and runners-up at the last World Cup in 2014, face Puerto Rico on Sunday.

FIBA