Host China suffocated world champion Australia in two quarters to achieve a surprising 67-64 victory on Sunday at the women's basketball internationals here.

China held the Opal to nine and eight points in the second and third quarter respectively to lead as many as 18 points in the fourth quarter.

Australia's Erin Phillips (C) breaks through during the preliminary match between China and Australia at the "Good Luck Beijing" CNPC 2008 Women's Basketball International Tournament at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium in Beijing, capital of China, April 20, 2008. Australia lost the match 64-67.

"Our defence in the first half were very good, costing (Australia) lost of mistakes. They had many possessions from (better) rebounding, while we had the same on (their) turnovers," China's coach Tom Maher said.

Australia, which beat Olympic champion the United States 74-60 on Saturday, played without top players like Lauren Jackson.

"We struggled on finishing-off and missed many easy baskets. The turnovers hurt us a lot," said center Suzy Batkovic, who leading Australia by 13 points.

The Opal committed 19 out of 24 turnovers in the first half and shot 31 per cent in the field, though it dominated the board by 48-24.

China's Sui Feifei (L) passes the ball during the preliminary match between China and Australia at the "Good Luck Beijing" CNPC 2008 Women's Basketball International Tournament at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium in Beijing, capital of China, April 20, 2008.

After a 7-4 lead at the start, the Australians fell into the defense traps several times to give up the lead soon and never regained the advantage.

China led 33-25 in the first half and 49-38 after three quarters before making it 59-41 in the fourth quarter.

Australia began the come-back in the rest of the game when Chinese pivot Chen Nan and power forward Chen Xiaoli were fouled out, but fell short in the end.

Miao Lijie led China with 15 points while Chen Nan and Bian Lanadding 12 points each.

China is atop on the standings after two wins with no other team having perfect record.

Australia's Erin Phillips (R) vies with a player of China during the preliminary match between China and Australia at the "Good Luck Beijing" CNPC 2008 Women's Basketball International Tournament at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium in Beijing, capital of China, April 20, 2008. 

(Xinhua News Agency April 21, 2008)