
Australia's Opals survive late Japan comeback to end eight-year title drought
With a breakthrough Asia Cup title now under their belt, the Opals can turn their attention to next year's Women's Basketball World Cup in Germany full of confidence.
At the fifth time of asking since their debut at the tournament in 2017, a new-look squad finally stood atop the podium on Sunday night in China after an 88-79 win over Japan.
After topping Group A with three wins and then beating South Korea in the semi-finals, the undefeated Australians proved too strong for the second time in a matter of days against Japan at Shenzhen Sports Centre.
The Opals, which previously defeated their Japanese rivals 79-67 in the group stages, led from the start and built an 11-point lead by half-time in the decider.
But six-time Asian champions Japan rallied in the final quarter – with power forward Yuki Miyazawa at one stage netting three unanswered 3-pointers in a row – to level the scores with seven minutes on the clock.
A pair of missed free throws by Japan and crucial baskets from Australian stars Alexandra Fowler and Alex Brooke Wilson helped the Opals edge away as time ticked away for an increasingly desperate Japanese side.
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.'
Sign up to From the Pocket: AFL Weekly
Jonathan Horn brings expert analysis on the week's biggest AFL stories
after newsletter promotion
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


The Independent
8 minutes ago
- The Independent
Is Australia vs the British and Irish Lions on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch second Test
The British and Irish Lions bid to seal the series against Australia as the two sides clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Lions went 1-0 up with a strong win in the opening encounter in Brisbane, producing a strong start and withstanding a fightback from the Wallabies to secure a 27-19 victory. It makes this a must-win game for the hosts as they look to set up a decider in Sydney next Saturday, and Joe Schmidt's side are boosted by a couple of welcome returnees from injury. Andy Farrell, meanwhile, will hope his team can again Here's everything you need to know. When is Australia vs the Lions? The Wallabies host the Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday 26 July, with kick off scheduled for 11am BST. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports. A live stream will be available via Sky Go and NOW. Team news Australia are bolstered by the availability of Will Skelton, David Porecki and Rob Valetini, who all add quality and size to Joe Schmidt's forward pack. The Wallabies backline is unchanged from the first Test as Tom Lynagh is backed again at fly half. On the bench, Langi Gleeson is another welcome returnee as one of six forwards readied to make an impact. Tate McDermott, impressive in the first Test, and Ben Donaldson provide backline cover. The Lions are without Joe McCarthy after the lock sustained a foot injury during the first Test, with Ollie Chessum promoted from the bench to partner captain Maro Itoje. Bundee Aki comes in to midfield at the expense of the unfortunate Sione Tuipulotu, born in Melbourne but out with a tight hamstring. Garry Ringrose had been due to be stationed at outside centre but stood himself down after experiencing lingering symptoms of a concussion. Andrew Porter is preferred to Ellis Genge as the starting loosehead. Andy Farrell freshens up his bench after the unit failed to fire in Brisbane: James Ryan, Jac Morgan, Owen Farrell and Blair Kinghorn come in after starting the midweek win over the First Nations & Pasifika XV. Line-ups Australia XV: 1 James Slipper, 2 David Porecki, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Will Skelton; 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Tom Lynagh; 11 Harry Potter, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright. Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Carlo Tizzano; 22 Tate McDermott, 23 Ben Donaldson. Lions XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Jack Conan; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Finn Russell; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Hugo Keenan.


Reuters
38 minutes ago
- Reuters
David blasts fastest T20 ton for Australia in series win over West Indies
July 26 (Reuters) - Middle order batter Tim David smashed the fastest Twenty20 International century for Australia as they sealed a six-wicket victory over the West Indies in the third T20 on Friday to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match series. David hit 11 sixes and six fours to finish on unbeaten 102 off 37 deliveries, with Australia crushing the hosts with 23 balls to spare at Warner Park in Basseterre, Saint Kitts. "I was just having a great time in the middle playing for Australia...I didn't think I would get the opportunity to get a hundred for Australia so I'm stoked," David said. "The pitch was good and small boundaries so you have to back your strengths. Warner Park is a great place to bat and it was great to have experience here in the CPL (Caribbean Premier League). "I've spent a lot of time working on power hitting but now I'm working on my shot selection." Put into bat after Australia won the toss, West Indies got off to a solid start helped by a 125-run opening stand between Shai Hope and Brandon King. Mitchell Owen provided Australia with a much-needed breakthrough when he took out King, who had holed out to deep forward square, while Shimron Hetmyer (9), Sherfane Rutherford (12) and Rovman Powell (9) were all removed cheaply. West Indies' total was boosted by a fine unbeaten 102 off 57 balls by captain Hope as they posted 214-4. Australia's reply initially stuttered as they found themselves 61-3 in 5.5 overs, but David scored a sparkling ton to eclipse Josh Inglis' record (43 balls) for fastest T20 century for Australia by six deliveries. "I don't think we had enough runs on the board. On a pitch like that with the dimension of the ground, we know it's going to be hard to defend. I think we fell a few runs short and with the ball we needed to pick up more wickets," Hope said. "We're very powerful strikers but we have to give credit to the Australian bowlers, they've bowled very well in the death overs." Australia had won the first T20 by three wickets and second by eight wickets. "We've played well so far in the series. We've executed well with the ball and there are no words for that innings from Tim David. We're giving guys opportunities in different roles. As a group we've played really good cricket," Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said.


The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Australia v Wales: women's rugby union international
Update: Date: 2025-07-26T03:32:55.000Z Title: Preamble Content: Hello and welcome to live coverage of the women's rugby international between Australia and Wales at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane. The Wallaroos and Wales meet for the first time on Australian soil with both sides out to build momentum ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup in England next month. The Wallaroos are also searching for winning form as they continue to find it tough to break through the glass ceiling and challenge the leading World Cup contenders. But they have a strong record over today's opponents – the world No 10 – with seven wins in their past eight matches including a 37-5 thumping last year. Emily Chancellor will captain the Wallaroos for the first time, while veteran Ash Marsters becomes the first woman to reach 40 caps for Australia. Wales are also looking to turnaround a run of poor results after failing to find a win and finishing bottom in the Six Nations. Prop Sisi Tuipulotu's return will give the tourists a huge boost as they look to emulate their victory over Australia last year rather than the crushing defeat to the same that followed just a week later on neutral ground in South Africa. This is the first leg of a rugby double-header feast with a certain touring side taking on the Wallabies in Melbourne later today, while the Wallaroos and Wales will also meet again next week in Sydney. The forecast in Brisbane is for wet and wild conditions surely perfect for an entertaining clash. Kick-off is at 2pm local, or 5am for those following along on BST. I'll be back shortly with the line-up. In the meantime, get in touch with any questions, thoughts and predictions. You can shoot me an email, or find me on X @martinpegan and Bluesky @ Let's get into it! About that time 😤🗓️ Today | 2:00pm AEST🏟️ Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane🎟️ @StanSportAU#Wallaroos