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SERBIA's stunning 68-62 win over France tonight flung open the door for Australia to seize first place in Group B at the FIBA Women's World Cup and the Opals obliged by cutting down Japan 71-54 at Qudos Bank Arena, Kristy Wallace a huge spark and Steph Talbot again the Aussies' most consistent performer. 

Marianna Tolo (14 points at 75 per cent, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block) was a huge presence, Cayla George paired nine points with nine boards and Ezi Magbegor (10 points and strong aggression) completed a dominant Opals frontcourt which pounded Japan 49-29 on the boards.

Sami Whitcomb had 15 points and was 4-of-7 from long range. But her five turnovers again were troubling, her over-dribbling on frequent Aussie offences often leading to hurried shot attempts.

Japan fired its shot in the first half, jumping out to a quick lead before Lauren Jackson's 3-pointer sliced it to 16-18 at the first break.

Talbot led the way at both ends off the floor, her seven points, six rebounds, five assists and a block barely reflecting how often her lunges, chase downs and second efforts created Japanese panic, unease and errors.

Wallace provided a significant spark off the bench, her fast-break, no-look pass to Tolo a little touch of magic. Whitcomb's three, followed by a Magbegor inside bucket meant by halftime, Australia was out 36-34.

Japan steadily succumbed as Sara Blicavs fed a sweet pass for another Whitcomb 3-pointer, Magbegor bumped the buffer to 43-34 and late George baskets meant the third quarter closed with the Opals nursing a 56-43 lead.

Wallace's tenacity continued to shine through the final period as Australia completed a regulation win.

The game lacked the drama of the earlier Serbia-France fixture which was only clinched when Sasa Cado banked a desperate 3-point heave inside the final half-minute, breaking the French resistance.

Battered but never bowed Serbian centre Tina Krajisnik supplied 12 points and 13 rebounds and Yvonne Anderson sank 18 points to lead the upset.  

TUESDAY: Group A: Puerto Rico 92 d Korea 73; China 81 d Belgium 55; USA 121 d Bosnia Herzegovina 59. Group B: Canada 88 d Mali 65; Serbia 68 d France 62; AUSTRALIAN OPALS 71 (Whitcomb 15, Tolo 14, Magbegor 10; George 9 rebs; Madgen 6 assts) d JAPAN 54 (Okoye 14, Yasumi 9, Mawuli 8; Tokashiki 7 rebs; Miyazaki 5 assts).