France captain Cathy Melain is confident her side can go far at the EuroBasket in Turkey, where they will be looking for a repeat of their 2001 success.

Les Bleues have just completed their preparation for the tournament having won all 11 of their matches since the end of July.

Ten out of the 12 players in the current French squad took part in the EuroBasket 2003 - where France finished fifth - and will once again bring their experience to Turkey.

Among the 12 women, six were in the title winning side of four years ago. Melain is satisfied with the spirit the team has developed in the past weeks and is very optimistic about their title chances.

"We are far more at ease with our game," said Melain, who was voted best player of the EuroBasket 2001.

"The younger players have integrated well and have accepted their responsibilities.

"We now dare to take risks and it pays off."

Alain Jardel's team are in Group A along with Latvia, Greece, Germany and 2003 silver medalists the Czech Republic.

They will start their European campaign on Friday against the Czechs.

"There will not be any easy tie at the EuroBasket," added Melain, "but if we go through to the quarter-finals we will be fine.

"If not we will still have one match left to finish in the top five.

"Regarding the Czech Republic we knew there was no miracle draw and that we would have had to play against them at some point.

"It is true that for an opener, it's a big team to face. But on the other hand if we win, we will be boosted.

"And if we lose, well, it was against the Czech Republic. They are a top European basketball nation.