World Basketball Championships : A Festive Ceremony Tips Off 24-Team Tournament in Spain

There were clattering castanets, swirling folk dancers and dozens of choir singers Saturday as Spain opened the 10th World Basketball Championships.

The opening ceremony was held in a packed auditorium.

During the next five days, 24 teams divided into four groups will play 60 games in Zaragoza, Malaga, Tenerife and Ferrol. The semifinals are scheduled July 13 at Barcelona and Oviedo.

The final will be held July 20 at Madrid.

Police have mounted a heavy security operation in Malaga, where the United States defeated the Ivory Coast, 99-63, Saturday in its opener as Charlie Smith of the University of Pittsburgh scored 20 points.