China's Zhang Xiaoni (R) fights for a ball against Tina Thompson of the U.S. during a women's world basketball championship game in Brazil. (Photo source: sina)   Sept. 13 - The Chinese women's basketball team have suffered an opening defeat to the United States at the World Championships in Brazil.

 

The US team, the defending champions, proved to be too strong for China and won 119-72.

 

Sue Bird led the Americans with a game-high score of 20 points, while teammates Tina Thompson and Diana Taurasi added 17 points apiece.

 

Miao Lijie and Chen Nan each contributed 17 points for China.

 

The Chinese team will next play Russia on Thursday.