:: Netball bounces back into action in Singapore10-10-2011
NETBALL BOUNCES BACK INTO ACTION IN SINGAPORE
LINE-UP FOR SIXTH EDITION OF NTUC FAIRPRICE FOUNDATION NATIONS CUP ANNOUNCED
The NTUC FairPrice Foundation Nations Cup is back in action for 2011 giving Singapore’s netball fans another chance to catch some world-class action this year!
Following on from the resounding success of the Mission Foods World Netball Championships (WNC) hosted by Singapore in July, six nations will battle it out from 5-11 December at the Toa Payoh Sports Hall for the sixth edition of the NTUC FairPrice Foundation Nations Cup.
New to the Nations Cup is Fiji who finished 10th in the WNC and are currently ranked number seven in the World. The Pacific Islanders will bring plenty of flare and passion to the court, and provide stiff opposition for hosts Singapore who will be keen to avenge their 57-47 defeat when they met in WNC play-offs.
Joining their Oceanic neighbours and returning to the Nations Cup for their third appearance is Papua New Guinea (World Ranking 17) who lifted the trophy in 2008.
Coming to compete from Asia this year are Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has risen up the rankings in recent years and finished in 14th place at the WNC (World Ranking 18) and is taking part in their third Nations Cup, their highest finish in previous editions being fourth place.
Malaysia lie 23rd in the World Rankings and ended their WNC campaign one spot behind Singapore in 16th after losing to the hosts 36-47 in their final match. Malaysia joined the Nations Cup line up back in 2009 but have shown marked improvement over the past few years.
The African nation of Namibia complete the nations this year (World Ranking 24) who took part for the first time in 2010, finishing in fifth place. Showing great improvement throughout the tournament last year and coming close to a victory over Singapore, they will be a side to pay close attention to as their agile and creative play could cause a few upsets.
Speaking on behalf of the host nation, President of Netball Singapore, Tan Wee Khim said, “It is hard to believe that we are now approaching our sixth edition of the Nations Cup and the competition continues to go from strength to strength.
“We are delighted to be welcoming a new nation in Fiji and those returning to our shores to enjoy an exciting week of world-class netball. The Singapore crowds were wonderful throughout the Mission Foods World Netball Championships and we hope to see them all back at Toa Payoh in December supporting the national team and their opponents.”
The Singapore Open squad was announced in August with the final competition team to be decided on 18th November. The National Squad welcomes seven new players primarily in attacking positions who will add depth to the squad that lost a few experienced players after the World Championships. Jean Ng and Lin Qingyi are co-captains of the squad and will look to share their knowledge and experience with the new recruits.
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