Russia's Ilona Korstin (L) fights for the ball with China's Bian Lan during their preliminary match at the Women's World Basketball Championships in Barueri, 26 km (16 miles) west of Sao Paulo, September 13, 2006. [Reuters]   Sept. 14 - Russia defeated China 86-66 on Wednesday at the FIBA Women's World Basketball Championship in Barueri, a town in the metropolitan region of Sao Paulo.

 

"It was a difficult game, especially the first two periods. I think tomorrow's match against the U.S. team will be even harder," said Russian center Maria Stepanova.

 

According to Russia head coach Igor Grudin, the team was a little bit nervous at the beginning of the match, but got to improve their game in the second half.

 

China head coach Tom Maher labeled the game as fair and added the Russians were much better on the rebounds.

 

"I do not think we lost because we were not brave enough to try, however. Russia is maybe the second best team in the world," said Maher.

 

China's guard Miao Lijie pointed out that the team had a better performance than on Tuesday against the U.S., when China was lost by 119-72.

 

The U.S. team had the first final score with three digits in the World Championship 2006, but China managed to cheer up the Chinese fans who were at the Jose Correa Arena on Tuesday night.

 

The U.S. will face Nigeria on Wednesday night and Russia on Thursday. Nigeria is China's rival in the last match of the preliminary round, on Thursday night.