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ASIA CUP WOMEN: IN what surely was as historic a start to an international tournament as the Opals have ever unleashed, Australia tonight smashed the Philippines 115-39 in a devastating performance led by Miela Sowah but which also again reinforced the chasm between Asia's best ... and the rest.

Home side China did it no tougher in rival Group A as it brushed aside Indonesia 110-59 to stake its claim as Asia Cup favourite but the Aussies were impressive.

Their start was one for the ages as first Sara Blicavs went to the hoop, Cayla George hit a fadeaway, Steph Reid swished a 3-pointer, Izzy Borlase completed a fast break before Alex Fowler spliced a three.

The Philippines was taking time-out, Australia ahead 12-0 on a perfect 5-of-5 field goal explosion, with all five starters boasting a basket apiece. In more than a half-century of covering this sport, I cannot recall ever seeing that happen.

Australia was 6-of-6 before its first miss and on its way to a lead which grew exponentially as every new player to hit the hardwood made their mark.

Sowah was sharp as a razor, her game-high 19 points at 70 per cent and newly-minted Opals vice-captain Blicavs was outstanding for 17 points and six boards in 19 minutes.

Those who know about her back surgery and battle back to basketball would have been even more impressed with her effort.

But effort was not lacking anywhere, Reid providing her usual hustle and nine assists and late inclusion Abbey Ellis eye-catching with her eight points and nine assists.

Alex Fowler went 11-5-5 in 18 minutes of quality and Issy Bourne also capitalised by making the most of her minutes. But Chloe Bibby, with a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double, made a bold statement about her international potential, albeit, in context, given the Philippines were routed from the get-go.

Australia's defence forced 22 turnovers and contained the Philippines to 27 per cent shooting.

The Opals shot it at 61 per cent, won the boards 57-21, dished 36 assists to 7, all 11 players scored more than once and the Philippines could muster just two points in the final period.

The disparity in size, experience and talent was stark. Lebanon may provide more of a challenge tomorrow, but not for the full 40 minutes.

GROUP A: China 110 d Indonesia 59; New Zealand v Korea tomorrow

GROUP B: Japan 72 d Lebanon 68; Australia Opals 115 (Sowah 19, Blicavs 17, Bibby 16, Fowler, Woods 11, Borlase 10; George, Bibby 10 rebs; Ellis, Reid 9 assts) d Philippines 39 (De Jesus 9, Pastrana, Panganiban 8; Animan 5 rebs; Castillo, Panganiban 2 assts) at Shenzhen Sports Center. 

*Pics courtesy of fiba.com