Basketball's world governing body has announced that Turkey will host the basketball world championship in 2010.
Following a secret ballot by FIBA's Central Board in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia Sunday, body president Carl Men Ky Ching announced that Turkey edged out France 10 to 9 in the final vote.
Finalists France, Turkey and a combined bid from former Yugoslav republics Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia-Montenegro and Slovenia were in competiton to host the event.
In the first round of voting, France received eight votes, while Turkey had seven and the combined bid got four votes. Turkey won in the second round of voting.
Turkish Basketball Federation president Turgay Demirel called it a big day for his country and said it will be an honor to host the event.
The last world championship was played in Indianapolis, with Yugoslavia winning the gold medal. The 2006 tournament will be played in Japan with 24 teams from five continents.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
