HRADEC KRALOVE/PRAGUE (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) - Greece and Ukraine took the plaudits on an eventful opening day of FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017.

Evanthia Maltsi was MVP at the 2009 edition and she rolled back the years as Greece inflicted a 69-60 loss on defending champions Serbia in Prague. The veteran finished with a sublime 16 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.Meanwhile in Hradec Kralove, the party fell flat for hosts Czech Republic who started poorly and never recovered against a vibrant Ukraine who eased to a 59-47 victory. Alina Iagupova led the way with a fine 21 points and Taisiia Udodenko had an excellent 10 points and 16 rebounds.

Slovenia almost made their historic first-ever FIBA EuroBasket Women outing extra special, but were handed absolute heartache by France who dug out a pulsating 70-68 win.

Belgium enjoyed their return to The Final Round after a year's absence as they pipped Montenegro 66-64 in a thriller. Angelica Robinson was unlucky to be on the losing side after a massive 19 points and 7 boards.

Spain shut down Hungary 62-48 as Sancho Lyttle accumulated 17 points and 12 rebounds having missed the Rio Olympics.

Maria Vadeeva was on top form in a 71-59 triumph over Latvia as she harvested 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Italy showed their balance of youth and experience could be a heady mix that propels them deep into the competition after they won 80-68 against Belarus. Cecilia Zandalasini starred on her debut in the competition with 18 points.

For more highlights of the games click HERE and to find out how the day unfolded via our live updates, click HERE.

FIBA