Germany will play hosts Great Britain in the second women's semi-final at the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships ©EuroWBchamps

Germany powered into the semi-finals of the women’s competition at the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships at the University of Worcester in England, comfortably beating winless Italy 89-14.

Leading 22-4 after a one-sided first period, excellent finishing from Heike Friedrich and Barbara Groß saw Germany double their tally in the second without reply for a 44-4 advantage.

They did not let up in the third quarter, maintaining their shooting success rate at 67 per cent to establish a 68-8 lead going into the fourth which they won 21-6 to wrap up an emphatic victory.

Elsewhere in the women’s competition, The Netherlands overcame hosts Great Britain 64-52, while Spain defeated Turkey 68-24 to take fifth spot in the sole group.

Germany play Britain in the second of tomorrow’s semi-finals following The Netherlands’ encounter with France.  

Great Britain beat Italy 77-48 to secure their place in the semi-finals of the men's competition
Great Britain beat Italy 77-48 to secure their place in the semi-finals of the men's competition ©EuroWBchamps

Meanwhile in the men’s competition, Britain advanced to the semi-finals with a 77-48 win against Italy to the delight of the home crowd. 

Joining them in the last four are Germany, who overcame Israel 75-54, as well as The Netherlands, 63-56 winners against Poland, and Turkey, 63-54 victors at the expense of Spain.

All four semi-finalists also ensured their place at next year's Paralympic Games in Rio with one place still up for grabs for the country that finishes in fifth spot from the four losing quarter-finalists. 

In the battle for ninth position, Switzerland picked up their first victory of the Championships, beating France 67-63, before Sweden got the better of Czech Republic in an 80-45 triumph.

The men's semi-finals are scheduled to take place tomorrow with Germany up against Britain and Turkey facing The Netherlands. 



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