Opals finally strike gold to end Asia Cup anguish
At the fifth time of asking, a new-look squad finally stood atop the podium on Sunday night in China.
After topping Group A with three wins and then beating South Korea in the semi-finals, the Australians proved too strong for the second time in a matter of days against Japan at Shenzhen Sports Centre.
The 88-79 victory over the world No.9 Japanese, shock winners over hosts China in their semi, finally clinched the gold medal after a 2017 silver and bronze in the next three editions.
"Really happy and proud of the team for their efforts this whole week," Opals coach Paul Goriss said.
"We knew coming in that Japan had a huge win ... against China and that they're going to be a formidable opponent.
"I think that our team and the players really bought into the game-plan."
Alex Wilson provided the spark for the world's second-ranked Opals, the 31-year-old spearheading a decisive late fourth-quarter 12-2 run for an 85-75 advantage.
One day before her 24th birthday, Townsville Fire forward Alex Fowler top-scored for Australia with 15 points, pulled down six rebounds and went on to earn the tournament's Most Valuable Player award.
Point guard Stephanie Reid added 13 points in the championship match while centre Zitina Aukoso went close to a double-double with 11 points and eight boards.
Superstar guard Kokoro Tanaka led Japan with 21 points, 19 of which came in the opening term.
The Opals join hosts Germany, AmeriCup winners the USA and EuroBasket champions Belgium as automatic qualifiers for the expanded 16-team September 2026 World Cup in Berlin, after a 24-team qualifying tournament takes place in March.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox Sports
16 minutes ago
- Fox Sports
Qatar sets sights on 2036 Olympics by creating bid committee for the Games
Associated Press DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The Qatar Olympic Committee on Wednesday announced the creation of a bid committee for the 2036 Olympics and Paralympic Games, confirming its intention to host the events that would come 14 years after it staged the World Cup. It's the latest attempt by the Middle Eastern country to host the Summer Games, after Doha was overlooked by the International Olympic Committee in favor of Brisbane for the 2032 Olympics. On two other occasions, Doha did not progress to the IOC's list of candidates. The Qatari committee said the country, which was criticized by human rights defenders ahead of the World Cup, 'has firmly established itself as a global hub for major international sporting events ... (and) has successfully hosted numerous world championships across multiple disciplines and invested in world-class infrastructure that reflects the country's long-term commitment to excellence and sustainability in sport.' The QOC said the bid committee will 'engage national stakeholders and international partners to shape a proposal that is technically strong, socially inclusive and globally relevant.' 'The bid will reflect a unified national vision that builds on Qatar's track record, speaks to the potential of the region and upholds the enduring values of excellence, friendship and respect that define the Olympic and Paralympic movements,' the committee said. The committee didn't address when in 2036 it would propose to host the Games. The World Cup had to be held in November and December because of the extreme heat in the region. The IOC prefers the traditional July-August slot. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, president of the Qatar Olympic Committee, will serve as bid committee chairman. ___ AP Sports: in this topic
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Qatar sets sights on 2036 Olympics by creating bid committee for the Games
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The Qatar Olympic Committee on Wednesday announced the creation of a bid committee for the 2036 Olympics and Paralympic Games, confirming its intention to host the events that would come 14 years after it staged the World Cup. It's the latest attempt by the Middle Eastern country to host the Summer Games, after Doha was overlooked by the International Olympic Committee in favor of Brisbane for the 2032 Olympics. On two other occasions, Doha did not progress to the IOC's list of candidates. The Qatari committee said the country, which was criticized by human rights defenders ahead of the World Cup, 'has firmly established itself as a global hub for major international sporting events ... (and) has successfully hosted numerous world championships across multiple disciplines and invested in world-class infrastructure that reflects the country's long-term commitment to excellence and sustainability in sport.' The QOC said the bid committee will 'engage national stakeholders and international partners to shape a proposal that is technically strong, socially inclusive and globally relevant.' 'The bid will reflect a unified national vision that builds on Qatar's track record, speaks to the potential of the region and upholds the enduring values of excellence, friendship and respect that define the Olympic and Paralympic movements,' the committee said. The committee didn't address when in 2036 it would propose to host the Games. The World Cup had to be held in November and December because of the extreme heat in the region. The IOC prefers the traditional July-August slot. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, president of the Qatar Olympic Committee, will serve as bid committee chairman. ___ AP Sports:
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Qatar sets sights on 2036 Olympics by creating bid committee for the Games
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The Qatar Olympic Committee on Wednesday announced the creation of a bid committee for the 2036 Olympics and Paralympic Games, confirming its intention to host the events that would come 14 years after it staged the World Cup. It's the latest attempt by the Middle Eastern country to host the Summer Games, after Doha was overlooked by the International Olympic Committee in favor of Brisbane for the 2032 Olympics. On two other occasions, Doha did not progress to the IOC's list of candidates. The Qatari committee said the country, which was criticized by human rights defenders ahead of the World Cup, 'has firmly established itself as a global hub for major international sporting events ... (and) has successfully hosted numerous world championships across multiple disciplines and invested in world-class infrastructure that reflects the country's long-term commitment to excellence and sustainability in sport.' The QOC said the bid committee will 'engage national stakeholders and international partners to shape a proposal that is technically strong, socially inclusive and globally relevant.' 'The bid will reflect a unified national vision that builds on Qatar's track record, speaks to the potential of the region and upholds the enduring values of excellence, friendship and respect that define the Olympic and Paralympic movements,' the committee said. The committee didn't address when in 2036 it would propose to host the Games. The World Cup had to be held in November and December because of the extreme heat in the region. The IOC prefers the traditional July-August slot. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, president of the Qatar Olympic Committee, will serve as bid committee chairman. ___ AP Sports:
