France lost to China 66-64, but the two-point margin helped the French advance by edging China on points difference.

WNBA player Miao Lijie scored 23 points to secure China the lead.

In other matches, Russia beat Cuba 96-81 for their spot in the Group F quarter-finals.

The United States edged out the Czech Republic 63-50 in a late match to finish 1-2 in the group.

In Group E, Australian team The Opals walloped Argentina 83-49. They enter the quarter-finals unbeaten.

The Opals topped Group E, followed by Spain and Brazil. Lithuania claimed the last quarterfinal spot in the group on the basis of their points difference with Argentina.

(CRI September 19, 2006)