RP spikers debut vs Indons today

Reigning champion China starts its title-retention drive, while the Philippines hopes to pull off an impressive debut today in the opening of 2006 Hitachi Asian Women’s volleyball club championship at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Tiajin Bridgestone China meets Thailand in the second game at 4 p.m., while the Philippines battles fellow newcomer Indonesia in the nightcap at 6 p.m. The first game at 2 p.m. pits Kazakhstan against Chinese-Taipei after the opening ceremony.

Japan, another strong team here in Asia, takes a bye in the opening day and scheduled to play tomorrow in the six-game round-robin format tournament sponsored by Philippine Sports Commission, Hitachi appliances and Bayview Hotel.

Led by last year best scorer and MVP Li Shan and best spiker Wang Li, Asia’s powerhouse China, which swept all six assignments last season to win the title, is heavily favored against last year fifth placer Thailand.

"Every team here in Asia improves a lot so we’re expecting a real tough match here," said Chinese head coach Wang Baoquan through an interpreter. "We respect Thailand as a good team, so we really prepared hard against them because we come here to win."

Southeast Asia’s powerhouse Thai belles, on the other hand, will be out to revive their fortunes in this year’s meet. Veteran Patcharee Saengmuang and Amporn Yhapa, who won the Best Server award last year, will spearhead the team’s challenge.

Bannered by young aggressive players, the country’s first ever participation in the weeklong tournament, organized by Philippine Volleyball Federation, is expected to face a tough challenges over first rival Indonesia.

"Indonesia is also new here in this tourney and we expect them to play hard. Our players, however, are ready to take the challenges," said RP head coach Dante Reyes, who will rely on V-league two-time MVP Mary Jean Balce and Cherry Rose Macatangay.

Aside Balce, the other local players donning the country’s colors are Michelle Laborte, the Carolino sister Michelle and Marietta, Shermaine Penano, Anna Fulo, Glenda Pintolo, Jinni Mondejar, Jean Espolong, Dahlia Cruz, Christ Latigay and Beverly Boto.