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World Uni Games success for Monash students

22 August 2007

Opals forward Sam Richards, shown here playing for Dandenong Rangers in the WNBL, competed at the World University Games. Picture: Valeriu Campan, Leader Newspapers.

Australian basketball team captain and Monash student Sam Richards led her team to victory over their taller Russian opponents to win gold at the World University Games (Universiade) in Bangkok last week.

The superior speed and fitness of the Australian women was the deciding factor in the second half, with the Australians running rings around their taller opponents to finish with a 20 point margin with a final score of 85-65.

The women's team made amends for an earlier defeat at the hands of Brazil by beating China 68-41, Poland 66 -- 62 and Canada 65-53.

Richards starred against Canada, scoring 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Taekwondo champion Caroline Marton claimed bronze in the 67kg weight division.

Marton put the disappointment of coming fourth at the 2005 Universiade behind her with bronze, an amazing effort considering she has gone up two weight divisions this year.

Australian team coach Warren Hansen is adamant the Monash University student is continuing to improve and will continue to get good results in upcoming events.

"Caroline has had a good year in 2007. Earlier in the year she achieved a career highlight by winning the Dutch Open and her technique is continually improving," Hansen said.

The Australian team finished 14th on the medal tally with 11 medals: three gold, five silver and three bronze.