China's Chen Nan (top) goes for a shoot against Parker of the United States during the competition of Group C at the FIBA World Championship for Women 2006 in Barueri, Brazil, September 12, 2006. China lost to US 72-119.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

SAO PAULO, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Sue Bird scored game-high 20 points and Candace Parker had 12 points and 10 rebounds Tuesday to lead the two-time defending champion United States to a 119-72 victory over China on the opening day of basketball's Women's World Championship.

    Tina Thompson and Diana Taurasi had 17 points each and Seimone Augustus added 10 more as the Americans recorded the most lopsided result of the opening day.

    Earlier, Amaya Valdemoro scored 17 points and led three teammates in double figures as Spain opened the tournament with a 87-57 victory over South Korea.

    In other games Tuesday, Helen scored with 10 seconds remaining to give Brazil a 71-69 victory over arch rival Argentina in Sao Paulo.

    In Barueri, France defeated the Czech Republic 62-58, Cuba downed Chinese Taipei 75-20 and Russia trounced Nigeria 84-50.

    In a late game, Tammy Sutton-Brown had 15 points, helping Canada build an 11-point lead midway through the final quarter, but the Charlotte Sting center fouled out a minute later, and the North Americans hung on to beat Senegal 65-64. Enditem