Basketball: Tall Ferns wary of best chance

SYDNEY - New Zealand's chances of winning an Olympic women's basketball game looked even grimmer than they even first thought following yesterday's opening round of matches.

The Tall Ferns fought hard but were outclassed 52-75 by European champions Poland. Like all the other sides here the Poles had more height and experience than the New Zealanders.

Tomorrow's opponents Korea initially stood out as the best chance of victory but they were extremely impressive in stretching gold medal favourites the United States before losing 75-89 last night.

``We were very impressed,'' said Tall Ferns manager Kim Lucas.

``We couldn't believe how quick and determined they were.

``We knew there were going to be no teams that you could call a soft touch here, I suppose we just have to hope they've exhausted themselves in that game.''

The United States, Russia and Poland were expected to top New Zealand's pool of six, with the Tall Ferns needing to finish ahead of Korea and Cuba to snare a top-four quarterfinal spot.

Cuba also looked good in losing 62-72 to Russia.

The Tall Ferns had no injury problems from yesterday's game, with Belinda Colling running freely on the ankle she rolled at practice last week.

- NZPA