THE teams have started to arrive for the AVC Cup for Women yesterday.

Five-time champions China have already settled down and immediately went into morning training at the Philsports Arena.

Australia, Thailand, Japan and Vietnam are already in the country with Chinese-Taipei, South Korea and Iran among the last arrivals.

The two-day preliminary inquiry started on yesterday to determine the final rosters for tomorrow’s opener.

Also the Asian Volleyball Confederation officials led by Competition Committee President Dr. Han Joo Eom and Philippine National Volleyball Federation secretary-general Don Caringal conducted inspection at the competition hall, as well as training venues Ynares Sports Arena and Upper Deck Gym in Pasig, and Filoil EcoOil Centre and Ronac Gym in San Juan.

The continental tournament begins with a Group A showdown between China and South Korea at 1 p.m., to be followed by the lone Group B match between Japan and Thailand at 3 p.m.

The Philippines will take on Vietnam in the other Group A match at 7 p.m. to cap the tripleheader.

Placed in Pool A, the hosts look to become one of the top four teams to qualify for the quarterfinals.

The fifth-placed team in Pool A will finish in ninth place.

Pool B was reduced to four teams after the withdrawal of Kazahkstan on Tuesday.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado