Asian champions China snatched down Russia 82-59 in the opener of the 2005 International Women's Basketball Tournament in Harbin on Friday.

With the dominance inside the key, China led from the very beginning and enlarged the gap by every quarter on the way, manifesting its leadership in Asia as well as a powerhouse in the world.

Leading the first quarter 20-14, China expended the gap to 39-27 at the half break after collecting six points through a flurry of dazzling cooperation between center Chen Nan and point guard Song Xiaoyun.

Russia, the Athens Olympic bronze medallists, almost found their rhythm in the third quarter, breaking apart China's defense system to force three fouls in a row.

Yet, the Russians only discovered it was too hard to make a comeback as China took a 17-point advantage into the final quarter.

With a mid-range jump from Song Xiaoyun after a block, China finally sealed their first win in the tournament 82-59.

Chen Nan led the hosts with 18 points and four rebounds, substitute center Zhang Xiaoni contributed 10 points and two rebounds, and teammate Ren Lei added nine points.

Oxana and llona Korstin led the Russian with 12 points apiece and Tatiana Shchegol added 10 points and two rebounds.

The tournament features four teams, namely China, Russia, Australia and Cuba. China will take on Cuba on Saturday.

(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2005)