After yesterday's rest (no games scheduled) the U-17 World Championship returned today in Hamburg (Germany) with the amazing victory of Poland against local squad (33-79), staying as the only european team unbeaten in the tournament. Polish group surprised everybody already at the half time (14-30), but continued with an 8-22 run in the third quarter. No comment. Serbian-borned Bogdan Radosavljevic ('93) finished as the best german (8 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks), but nothing to do. The polish machine was led by Przemek Karnowski ('93) with 24 points (12/16 FG), 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. But other prospects made also a good job, like Mateusz Ponitka ('93) with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals, and Michal Michalak ('93) with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Eurohopes contacted Karnowski, and he was clear: "I feel really good after these first three wins. Our goal is make it to semifinals".

 

In the same group B Spain couldn't recover from Saturday's loss against China and was the victim of Canada (72-79). Guard Jorge Sanz ('93), from Real Madrid, poured 15 points, with 5 steals and 4 rebounds, while Daniel Díez ('93) scored 14 pulling down 8 boards. Jaime Fernández ('93), MVP of the final last summer in Kaunas, added 13 dishing 4 assists.

 

In the last game of the group Australia beat Korea (70-84).

Standings of the Group B: Poland (3-0), Canada (2-1), Germany (2-1), Spain (1-2), Australia (1-2) and Korea (0-3).

 

At the other side of the draw Serbia added its second win, in this case against Argentina (56-62). Nenad Miljenovic ('93), its main reference, finished as their best scorer with 14 points  (10/12 FT) and 5 rebounds. At his side Luka Mitrovic ('93) nailed 11 with 5 rebounds and Aleksandar Cvetkovic ('93) added 9 points and 2 boards.

 

The last european team in the tournament, Lithuania, struggled infront Egypt, but finally won with a great last quarter (97-77). Center Simonas Kymantas ('93) led the winners with 19 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocks, while Mantas Mockevicius ('93) finished as the best scorer with 21 points and 9/18 FG.

 

In the other game of this group USA crashed China (113-73).

Standings of the Group A: USA (3-0), Serbia (2-1), Lithuania (2-1), Argentina (1-2), China (1-2) and Egypt (0-3).

 

Photo: FIBA.COM (polish Piotr Niedzwiedzki)