Ukraine, Belarus Survive Relegation Battle

Ukraine and Belarus retained Division A status after surviving the Classification Round of the U20 European Championship Women 2009 at the expense of the Czech Republic and Montenegro who will spend next year in Division B.

On Friday, Belarus downed the Czech Republic 74-46 in a battle between two 1-1 teams and with classification for Division A on the line.

Russia Stop Belarus, Unbeaten France Top Group

France finished their Group D commitments with a perfect 3-0 record after overcoming Sweden in their last encounter 70-60.

Both teams are through to the Qualifying Round as is Russia who shook off an upset-minded Belarus 96-63 in the second half to go into next Round with a 1-1 record. Belarus will have to play for survival in Division A in the Classification Games.

France Outsmart Russia, Sweden Squeeze By Belarus

France won a hard-fought battle over rival Russia in convincing style 70-40 to go 2-0 in Group D. Alain Jardel's team made a statement today taking some sweet revenge for last year's defeat to Russia in the gold medal game in the process, even though the tournament is long and these two candidates for the title may very well face each other again later down the line.

Group D: France, Russia Overwhelm Opponents