Torrens registered 28 points for her side as the European champions came back from a seven-point deficit in the third period after Turkey had begun brightly in the Fenerbache Arena in Istanbul.

The hosts were ahead 20-19 at the end of the first quarter and three-pointers by Isil Alben and Nevriye Yilmaz saw the Turks take control midway through the third period.

But Torrens stood up to the plate when her side needed her the most, rattling off a series of crucial scores that saw Spain come powering back with a 12-2 run, eventually clinching a spot in the final 66-56.

"I think this was one of the best days of my career - something amazing, something truly special and the kind of day you only dream about," said Torres, who plays her club basketball in Istanbul with Galatasaray.

"We showed character and also showed that when things are not going well, we can stay together and win difficult games."

Alba Torrens starred for Spain as she bagged 28 points against Turkey in the semi-final of the Basketball World Championship for Women ©AFP/Getty Images



Maya Moore and Tina Charles were in flying form for the US, the reigning champions, as they saw off the challenge of 2006 winners Australia in the second semi-final in Istanbul.

The pair managed 16 and 18 points respectively as the Americans ran out 82-70 winners to reach their eighth World Championship final in 10 appearances.

Despite a resilient effort form the Australians, led by Erin Phillips, who bagged 19 points, the US always looked in control.

They led by 12 at the midway point and while Australia managed to cut that gap to six, a late 14-2 burst from the Americans saw them over the line.

"Every game is hard and we have never taken anything for granted since we started the tournament," said Charles.

"Australia played really hard and aggressive even though they were without Liz Cambage who was their centrepiece.

"We responded really well to them."

America's Tina Charles drives to the basket during her side's semi-final win over Australia ©Getty Images



In the day's earlier games, China defeated Serbia 85-69 and Canada overcame France 55-40 in the classification matches.

The Fenerbache Arena in Istanbul will be the setting again for the final day of action tomorrow.

The remaining classification matches will see Serbia take on France followed by China against Canada.

Then the medal matches will take centre stage, with Australia facing Turkey for the bronze medal, before the US and Spain take to the court for the Championship decider.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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