Russian champions VBM-SGAU Samara opened the FIBA Women’s World League with a victory over EuroLeague rivals Lotos VBW Clima Gdynia.

Samara won the inaugural competition in 2003 and made an excellent start to their 2004 title defense with an easy 96-50 victory over Gdynia.

		Ilona Korstine

Samara have yet to incorporate new signings Edwige Lawson (FRA), Ann Wauters (BEL) and Sheryl Swoopes (USA) into the side, but it made little difference against the Polish champions. A 21-10 first quarter score set the tone for a game in which Gdynia never had a chance.

Center Tatiana Shchegoleva led the way for Samara with 20 points, while Russian internationals Maria Stepanova and Ilona Korstine chipped in 17 points apiece.

Agnieszka Bibrzycka was a bright spot for Gdynia with 16 points, but the scoreline does not bode well for the upcoming EuroLeague Women which sees Gdynia matched up with Samara in Group C.

Fellow Russian side Baltiskaya Zwezda are the third European representatives in the competition. The 2004 FIBA Europe Cup Women champions had a tough start, dropping their opening game to the Dandenong Rangers from Australia, 63-75.

Natalia Vodopyanova top scored for Baltiskaya with 22 points.

A total of 8 teams from around the world are participating in the FIBA Women’s World League which takes place 12th – 17th October in St. Petersburg and Samara, Russia.

For full results and statistics, visit www.fiba.com.