Opals make winning start to World Cup campaign

Australia's women's basketball team, the Opals, kicked off their World Cup campaign with a convincing 70-54 victory over Puerto Rico in Berlin, Germany. Star player Steph Talbot was named player of the game for her impressive performance, contributing 19 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. The Opals, who rank third in the world behind the USA and France, were held to a tough test by Puerto Rico, who scored 14 points from Arella Guirantes, 11 from Trinity San Antonio, and 11 from Imani McGee-Stafford.

The Opals began their pool games with a win against Puerto Rico in Group C, but faced stiff resistance from their opponents. Ezi Magbegor and Alanna Smith added to the team's tally with 11 points and 10 points respectively. Alanna Smith also left the court with an apparent lower left-leg injury. Jade Melbourne and Zitina Aokuso both chipped in with 10 points each, while Isobel Borlaise and Magbegor contributed six points each.

Ranked third behind the USA and France, the Opals had already secured their spot in the World Cup with a successful qualifying campaign and a 2025 Asia Cup championship. The team's ability to perform consistently on the international stage is evident, having won medals in three of the past four World Cups since their last gold medal victory in Brazil in 2004. Australia's next opponents will be Türkiye and Belgium in the coming days.