ISTANBUL (FIBA World Championship for Women) - Spain sealed a Semi-Final spot at the FIBA World Championship for Women after completing a comfortable 71-55 triumph against China at the Fenerbahce Arena.

The triumph took Lucas Mondelo and his team to within touching distance of another podium finish at the event, having taken third place in the Czech Republic four years ago.

China simply had no answer to the athleticism of Sancho Lyttle who amassed 24 points. They also struggled to cope with the quickness of the EuroBasket Women 2013 champions, as they blasted their way into a 20-9 lead, restricting their opponents to just 17 points at the break.

"Defense is out identity," stated a delighted Silvia Dominguez.

"We do everything in our power to keep teams to less than 60 points and in the fifties - that is our main aim.

"We had a great first half and knew we needed to control the game because China never give up."

Dominguez was accurate in that respect since China did indeed show their pride and finished the contest with a late flourish.

However, it was little more than papering over some gaping cracks, which had seen them more than 20 points behind for much of the second half.

China head coach Tom Maher was far from impressed with his team's efforts afterwards.

"We let ourselves down and we are better than that," he said.

"We weren't even competitive during the first half and I hope the players learn that they can't embarrass their country like that again.

"We are a young team, but the Spanish mentality was just so superior in terms of their basketball IQ and positive mentality."

As for Dominguez and Co, they are now one win away from making history and reaching their first ever final at the tournament.