Asian powerhouse China and one of Europe’s best in Spain both gained an early edge in the opening festivities of the FIBA World Cup 2018 women’s division, Friday at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
The Chinese – who rank number one in the world – and the Spaniards are the only teams in the women’s tilt to post clean 2-0 records.
China is now sitting atop Pool B with 37 points thanks to their win over France, 16-14, and Switzerland, 21-20 – a game where they squandered a huge lead and even trailed, 19-20.
On the other hand, Spain is leading Pool D, also with 37 points. The 24th team in the world had its first victory against Hungary, 19-14, and followed it up with an 18-12 triumph over Germany.
Hungary, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, and Argentina all have 1-1 cards at the end of the opener.
Kazakhstan and the Philippines, meanwhile, both carry 0-2 records. Kazakhstan bowed to the Swiss squad, 14-16, and lost another close fight to the Argentinians, 9-10.
The Filipinas, on the other hand, tasted their first defeat at the hands of Netherlands, 11-21, and suffered a heartbreaking defeat to the Germans, 10-12, as their shots missed in the end.
Swiss Marielle Giroud emerged as the opening day’s leading scorer with 20 points, which she earned versus China and Kazakhstan.
Pools A and C will see action tomorrow, Saturday, June 9, at the second day of the annual cagefest.
