Holders Spain managed to edge out Poland 83-78 thanks to an inspired performance from NBA star Pau Gasol in Group A on the opening day of the European basketball championship in Lithuainia.
The 31-year-old power forward, who steered Spain to the 2009 title in Poland, stepped up with some crucial plays in the last two minutes when their unfancied rivals threatened to stun the favourites in the 24-team Eurobasket tournament.
France point guard Tony Parker was the day's other top performer driving his team to a roller coaster 89-78 win over Latvia in Group B.
The big winners were 2009 runners-up Serbia, who saw off former champions Italy 80-68 in the same group.
