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Jonathan Powell

The final round of a US$400,000 (HK$3.12 million) world-class women's volleyball tournament begins today at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom.

The annual World Grand Prix finals will see four nations, including China, battle it out over four days for the first prize of US$200,000.

Displays of individual talent will also be rewarded with the Most Valuable Player award of US$20,000.

Prizes of US$5,000 will go to the best spiker, blocker, server and 'libero'.

China, Japan, Thailand, Macau, Philippines and Taipei have hosted legs of the event which have been held over the last three weekends.

This is the third time Hong Kong has hosted the finals of the 10-year-old competition.

Featuring in the finals weekend are 2000 Sydney Olympics silver and bronze medallists Russia and Brazil respectively, and China and Germany. China last tasted glory as 1984 Olympic champion and 1986 World champion.

The squad showed good form in the lead-up to the finals and Russia are the only team that have beaten China in nine matches over three legs in the past three weeks.

The German team are gearing up for a strong performance as hosts of the World Championships next month.

'Germany is strong this year and is well-prepared for the World Championships,' the executive vice-chairman of the tournament organising committee, Yau Yi-kwong, said.

Last year's World Grand Prix champion was the United States but they failed to qualify for the final round this year after losing to Japan

last week.

Sydney Olympics gold medallist Cuba also failed to make it to the final round.

'Cuba has a lot of new players and has seen some changes,' said Yau.

The tournament opens at Hong Kong Coliseum tonight when Russia take on Germany at 6pm. China's first match is against Brazil at 8.30pm.

With the support of a patriotic crowd China may have what it takes to win but Russia, which retain many of the players from the Sydney Olympics squad, will be the team to beat.

Tomorrow night Germany play Brazil at 6pm and at 8.30pm China and Russia clash. On Saturday, it's Russia and Brazil at 12.30pm followed by China and Germany at 3.30pm.

On Sunday it's the day of reckoning as the last two teams vie for third place at 12.30pm with the championship game scheduled for 3.30pm.

Tickets for the event are available from Urbtix on 2734 9009 priced at HK$20, $50, $100, $200 and $400.



Lavish prizes for volleyball players