Opals win Gold at World Championship

The Australian Opals have defeated Russia 91-74 to secure the gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Basketball Championship for women in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

In doing so, the Opals create history by being the first senior Australian women's team to win gold at the tournament.

Penny Taylor top scored for Australia with 28 points and was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

Taylor's effort was inspirational considering she carried a groin injury. She propelled the Opals on their golden path over the second half of the tournament.

Lauren Jackson had 16 points with 11 rebounds and Kristi Harrower had 15 points in support.

Six foot eight inch star Maria Stepanova led Russia with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

A nervous start saw Australia trail by seven but the Opals steadied behind Jenny Whittle to lead 19-15 after one quarter.

The Aussies opened the second quarter on an 11-0 run led by the big three of Taylor, Harrower and Jackson and they held the lead until the main break, 43-35.

Australia looked in command in the third quarter until Russia came back when Australia's stars were resting, but the lead held in double digits after three quarters, 69-55.

The final quarter was a dogged affair, but the Australian team showed incredible heart to hold off a talented Russian team that had knocked off the United States two days earlier.

Earlier, The United States defeated host nation Brazil 99-59 to secure a bronze medal.

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