Photo

Click on photo to enlarge

Sylvia Fowles (R) chases a loose ball in front of Jung Sunmin of South Korea during their women's quarterfinal basketball game at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 19, 2008. REUTERS/Sergio Perez

BEIJING (Reuters) - The path to Olympic women's basketball gold opened for the United States on Tuesday after their biggest rivals Australia suffered a major injury.

The Americans trampled South Korea 104-60 to reach the semi-finals in Beijing while world champions Australia's lost guard Penny Taylor with a badly sprained ankle.

Despite overpowering the Czech Republic 79-46, Australia's gold medal hopes appeared to evaporate when Taylor collapsed in agony after twisting her right ankle on a drive to the basket.

Taylor, Australia's best defensive player, is doubtful to play in Thursday's semi-final against hosts China, who reached the last four by beating Belarus 77-62.

Australia's chances of halting the American charge to a fourth straight Olympic gold would be significantly diminished if Taylor plays no further part in the Olympics.

"Penny's a huge part of our team," Opals captain Lauren Jackson told Reuters. "We've got to hope for the best. I don't know what we're going to do without her."

Three-times Olympic gold medalist Lisa Leslie said she expected Taylor to play.

"I'm sure she'll tape it up and play," the American captain told reporters. "I would have to see her in a wheelchair before I believe she wouldn't play."

The U.S. face old foe Russia in the semi-finals after the European champions overcame Spain 84-65 in a bruising encounter.

MIAO ROARS

Miao Lijie, China's best player during the group stage, scored 28 points to keep alive her team's chances of a first Olympic medal in 16 years.

"I'm relieved," said China's Australian coach Tom Maher. "There's no way we should lose to Belarus -- no offence. If you win the quarter-final the rest is gravy."

Jackson was looking forward to playing against Maher, who nurtured her as a player when he was in charge of the Australian national team.

"He is a guru," said Jackson. "He's brought China out of nowhere. He was my mentor -- the best coach I ever had."

(Additional reporting by Gelu Sulugiuc; Editing by Steve Ginsburg)