An 18-4 run midway through the third period saw Turkey come back from a 10-point deficit to take the initiative after Serbia had looked the more likely winners.

The Turks had started brightly leading 23-18 just before the halftime break, but the Serbs, appearing at their first Championships, began finding their rhythm to execute a 15-point swing deep into the third period.

But big triples from Birsel Vardarli Demirmen and Saziye Ivegin began the Turkish comeback, which got the crowd inside the Fenerbache Arena going and they were cheering even louder as veteran Nevriye Yilmaz and Lara Sanders registered some crucial late scores as the hosts edged it in a thrilling finish.

"I am so happy with this victory and to beat a tough team like Serbia," said Yilmaz afterwards.

"We managed to get the win, but if we want to make the final we are going to have to start making some shots and especially me.

"I thought our fans stayed with us and were a very big help when we needed them most.

"They responded with lots of noise and once again they proved they are the very best fans."

Turkish players celebrate after edging a thriller with Serbia by a single point in Istanbul
©Getty Images



The hosts now take on Spain in the last-four after they powered to a 71-55 win over China in Ankara.

Once again, Sancho Lyttle was the scorer-in-chief for the Iberian side, registering 24 points as they chase a first-ever appearance in the World Championship final.

Defending champions the US comfortably saw off France in the second match on court in Istanbul.

The US were in the zone right from the off, missing only one shot in the entire first quarter to open up a 29-14 lead.

Despite the best efforts of Sandrine Gruda, who led the French with 18 points and nine rebounds, the US never looked in trouble throughout and with Brittany Griner and Tina Charles in fine shooting form they ran out 94-72 winners.

"I think what happened in Paris recently was only in the back of our minds and I tried not to get caught up in it too much," admitted Griner, referring to a surprise loss to France in the build-up to the tournament.

"We were more concerned with posting a fast start and making sure we built on that.

"It was important that we didn't get too ahead of ourselves and we kept playing hard."

American Brittany Griner attempts a block during her side's victory over France at the Basketball World Championship for Women ©Getty Images



Griner and her team mates face a tough semi-final clash against 2006 champions Australia after they cemented a fifth semi-final appearance in six outings in the second match in Ankara.

A strong defensive showing allied to fine shooting performances from Erin Phillips, Marianna Tolo and Leilani Mitchell, who shared 39 points between them, helped the Australians to a 63-52 win over Canada and stretch their record to four wins from four in Turkey.

The Fenerbache Arena in Istanbul will be the scene for tomorrow's semi-finals, which will be preceded by the classification games between China and Serbia, while Canada will take on France.

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