HONG Kong coach Val Eaton believes a year of preparation could bring the highest rewards when the third Asian Netball Championships begin at the Hong Kong Sports Institute on Sunday.
The territory's squad was whittled down to the final 10 players in June - but the build-up to the championships began last January with selection trials.
Since then, training camps have been held in Singapore and Australia to fine-tune the tactics and provide tough match practice for the challenges ahead against Malaysia, holders Sri Lanka, Singapore and India.
''I feel we are ready to take on anything that is on offer to us next week,'' said Eaton.
''In fact I would say we have an excellent chance of winning the competition - and I do not say that lightly.'' Hong Kong begin their campaign against Malaysia on Sunday and meet Sri Lanka on Monday, Singapore on Wednesday and India on Thursday in the round-robin section. The play-offs will be held on Friday and Saturday and the final next Sunday.
Hong Kong's squad is comprised of Jill Aston, the captain and centre, vice-captain Anne Tinlin, who plays wing attack, centre-wing attack Susan Rushton, goal attack-goal shooter Denise Holland, goal defence-centre Joanne Wood, wing defence Jan Clarke, goal shooter Mardi Evans, goalkeeper Martine Vance, goal defence-goalkeeper Trudi Hollyer and goal shooter-goal attack Lynley Soloman.
