Britain emerged with a one-point win over the Turks to retain their European crown in Frankfurt, Germany a year ago, but the roles were reversed this time around as they went down 71-69.

Turkey were in superb form right from the start, shooting 24 points to Britain's 10 in the first quarter, but thanks to some sharp work from Ian Sagar that lead was halved going in at the midway point.

However, Turkey regrouped and came out strong again in the third period with talisman Özgür Gürbulak to the fore, leaving them 12 points up going into the final period.

The British side were not going away though and thanks to 15 points from Terry Bywater, the scores were level at 68 points apiece going into the final minute.

But it was Turkey who held their nerve as they landed a crucial three-pointer to clinch a semi-final spot where they will face defending champions Australia.

A dejected British captain Abdi Jama said afterwards: "It's the worst feeling ever in the world.

"We knew it was going to be close as we had a close game at the Europeans but we came out winners in that tournament.

"They came out to play and we gave them a big lead at the beginning that we just couldn't get back and it was all a little too late in the end.

"They deserved to win and good luck to them in the semi-finals."

Despite 15 points from Terry Bywater (left) in the final quarter, Britain could not secure a place in the World Championship semi-final ©British Wheelchair Basketball




Australia secured their place in the last four with a 61-50 win over hosts South Korea.

Shaun Norris was the main man for the Aussies as he registered a game-high 18 points and eight rebounds.

Despite a determined effort late on from the hosts, Australia always looked in control and led at the end of each quarter.

The other semi-final will see the United States take on Spain.

The US looked impressive as they overcame Iran comfortably 72-51 thanks in the main to 19 and 15 points respectively from Joshua Turek and Matthew Scott.

Asier Garcia and Alejandro Zarzuela bagged 13 points apiece for the Spanish as they looked equally impressive in their 66-48 win over an Italian side who had caused an upset earlier in the tournament by inflicting the only defeat so far on the much fancied American side.

The semi-finals at the Samsan World Sports Complex in Incheon will take place tomorrow along with the fifth place playoff between Italy and South Korea and the seventh place play-off between Britain and Iran.

The gold and bronze medal matches will take place on Monday (July 14).

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