Valenciennes and Canberra met up today in the World Cup for Women's Clubs in Samara. On the outside it was a clash between the French and the Australian Champions, but the subtext was an intriguing matchup between two of the best players in the world.

Canberra's Lauren Jackson and Valenciennes' Ann Wauters may only 22 and 23 years old respectively, but both already have the world of basketball at their feet.

The Australian Jackson has been her country's top player since making her debut for the national team at just 16 years old. The 195 cm center just capped off her third WNBA season by winning MVP honours with the Seattle Storm.

Wauters on the other hand hails from Belgium, a country not noted for its basketball prowess. Nonetheless, Wauters, who also stands 195 cm, led her national team all the way to the 2003 European Championship for Women, where they finished in 6th position.

		Wauters on duty for Belgium

Wauters has already played in 3 EuroLeague Women Final Fours, winning MVP honours twice and 1 title.

Both players met in Samara and honours went to Wauters as Valenciennes defeated Canberra 89:68.

In the personal battle, Wauters had 26 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals.

Jackson collected 24 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. She also committed 7 turnovers.

Wauters shook off a bad shooting night in Valenciennes' opening game against Samara (1/7) to hit 11/17.

As in their first game against Samara, Valenciennes put on a 4th quarter clinic (29-12) to put Canberra out of the game.

Point guard Edwige Lawson added 18 points for the French champions and Allison Feaster hit for 16.

In other World Cup action 2003 FIBA Europe Cup Women 3rd place finishers Samara humiliated African Champions Mambas de Mozambique 108:31.

		Olga Arteshina

Russian national team player Olga Arteshina led the offensive onslaught (16 points) in which 6 Samara players scored in double figures.

A 29-3 first quarter set the tone for the game, and Mambas were limited to 12, 6 and 10 points in the next 3 quarters.

Samara now have a 1-1 record in the competiton while Valenciennes are undefeated at 2-0.

Tournament Results and Standings