Russia was beaten by neighboring Belarus 62-51 in the opening game of the women`s European Championships in Poland. ­Belarus stopped Russia at last year`s World Championships, denying them a spot in the semifinals. This time the Russians were one point ahead at the half, but a poorly played third quarter took them out of the game. Belarus - led by Natalia Marchenko and Elena Levchenko, who collected 11 points each - began the final quarter with a 10-point advantage, and never let their opponents get any closer. Maria Stepanova was Russia`s top scorer on the night, bagging 12 points. It was the second loss in Poland for Boris Sokolvsky`s charges, who are now hoping to avenge their defeats against the Czech Republic on June 25.