ANKARA (FIBA World Championship for Women) - Locals in Ankara were given a flavour of what they will be hoping for again later this month at the FIBA World Championship for Women after playmaker Isil Alben inspired a buoyant Turkey to victory to help her nation land yet another preparation tournament success.

Having recently secured the Zafer Cup, Turkey added to their collection by finishing unbeaten at the Ankara Arena to ride out winners on the floor where they will step out for the serious business of the World Championship in just over three weeks.

Crowned MVP, Alben harvested an influential 13 points, five rebounds and four assists as she propelled her side to a 61-54 victory against the Czech Republic, who will also be based in the Turkish capital for the first phase.

There was no stopping Alben who had a hand in everything and missed just one shot all night.

There were also notable displays once more from Nevriye Yilmaz and Lara Sanders in the paint, who have shown they can compliment each other. The former completed a double-double with 15 points and 10 boards, while Sanders re-enforced her case for inclusion ahead of Quanitra Hollingsworth in the naturalised berth by registering 16 points and nine rebounds.

"I'm pleased with our players' focus," reflected head coach Ceyhun Yıldızoglu after his team's latest success.

"We'll continue our preparations and go to Belarus (for our next preparation tournament) to see our final form.

"I deeply thank the fans in Ankara for their support."

Turkey had opened the tournament with a hard-fought 65-61 win over Japan as Birsel Vardarli scored all seven of her points in the final 90 seconds to secure victory.

The home side then followed this up with a convincing 57-40 win against Belarus as 20-year-old forward Cansu Koksal boosted her chances of potential inclusion in the final roster with 11 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, as she made an eye-catching impact at both ends of the court.

The Czech Republic took second spot at the event thanks to their wins against Japan (67-51) and Belarus (59-51), while the Japanese, who will also based in Ankara later this month, avoided bottom place by triumphing 62-48 against the winless Belarusians who will play in Group C in Istanbul.

FIBA