Olympic women's basketball tournament will enter into its third day contest that will be emphasized by Spain playing against the Czech Republic though host China tries to revenge for a loss to New Zealand four years ago.

China lost to New Zealand and finished ninth in Athens. But China beat the Tall Ferns, which have only two players who took part in the Athen Olympics, for several times including one game at the Good Luck Beijing tournament in April.

Chinese coach Tom Maher, who coached New Zealand four years ago, has led his new team collect one win over Spain and one loss to the United States in two previous group matches, now has confident to beat New Zealand, which crushed Mali but lost to Spain.

Spain downed New Zealand 85-62 Monday when Isa Sanchez scored 19 points, while Alba Torrens, the rising Spanish star who led the team with 18 points in their loss to the Chinese, scored nine in 24 minutes. To beat the Czech Repbulic was crucial for Spain to stay in the top three of Group B.

The Czechs bounced back Monday from their opening defeat against the United States, thrashing Mali 81-47. The Czechs are one of three contenders for second place in the group, where the team USA is the best.

EuroBasket 2007 champions Russia will again face a challenge from Belarus, who bounced back into contention by beating Latvia 79-57 Monday. Belarus, who is playing first Olympic Games.

Russia posted its two victories but only won by five points advantage against South Korea and Latvia respectively. While Belarus beat Latvia by 23 points and lost world champion Australia 19.

In other matches on Wednesday, United States meet winless Mali and Australia play against South Korea, no upsets are to take place.

(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2008)