China's Zhang Xiaoni (R) is pressured by Cuba's Oyanaisis Gonzalez Gelis during their women's World Championship basketball game in Barueri, 26 km (16 miles) west of Sao Paulo, September 17, 2006. [Reuters]

Also in Group F, comprised of national teams that played in Group C and D in the preliminary round of the championship, the Czech Republic beat Russia 85-83 at Jose Correa Arena, in Barueri. The Czechs managed to overcome the Russians again, just like they did in the final game of the EuroBasket Women in 2005.

The two-time defending champion United States crushed France 76-41 in the second round to remain unbeaten at the women's world basketball championship.

The Americans face the European champions the Czech Republic on Monday to decide the winner in Group F. With the top four advancing to the quarterfinals, the Americans have 8 points, the Czechs 7, France 6, then Russia, Cuba and China with 5 each.

In Group E, Australians made their way into the final eight, beating Brazil 82-73.

Following the defeat to Brazil on Saturday, the Lithuanians had a convincing victory over the Argentineans on Sunday, 62-47. Spain defeated the Canadians by 85-57 at Ibirapuera Arena, in the city of Sao Paulo.

Four national teams left the World Championship on Sunday, as Senegal beat Nigeria 66-64, and South Korea won over Chinese Taipei 73-52. The Africans terminated their participation in the competitions in the 13th (Senegal) and 14th (Nigeria) positions, while the Asians ranked 15th (South Korea) and 16th (Chinese Taipei).