SINGAPORE - Local fans itching for some netball action after the success of the 2011 Mission Foods World Netball Championships (July 3 to 10) will get their fix in December, when the NTUC Fairprice Foundation Nations Cup returns for its sixth edition from Dec 5 to 11 at the Toa Payoh Sports Hall. 

Six nations will compete in this year's tournament, which will welcome newcomers Fiji - who are the top ranked team at world No 7 - 2008 champions Papua New Guinea (No 17), Namibia (No 24), and Asian neighbours Malaysia (No 23) and Sri Lanka (No 18). Wales took home the top prize at last year's Nations Cup, with Scotland and Tanzania finishing second and third respectively. Host nation and two-time champions (2006, 2007) Singapore finished fourth out of six teams. 

Said Tan Wee Khim, president of Netball Singapore: "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." 

Also back in the captain's seat is veteran player Jean Ng, who will lead a squad of senior and young netballers following the retirements and unavailability of several key players like attackers Li Ling and Tan Hui Yan. Announced in August, the Singapore Open squad includes seven new faces and the final selection will be decided on November 18. 

At July's World Championships, the Singaporeans finished in 15th spot after defeating Malaysia 47-36 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Australia emerged as world champions after an epic 58-57 victory in extra time over New Zealand, with England occupying third spot. 

Singapore national squad: Cassandra Soh, Charmaine Soh, Asha Tett, Chen Huifen, Natalie Long, Yu Meling, Farah Shakina, Nurul Baizura, Vanessa Lee, Charlene Porima, Shelby Koh, Suhailah Kariman, Hong Wei Zhen, Jean Ng, Lin Qingyi, Premila Hirubalan, Chen Li Li, Sharon Wong

By Low Lin Fhoong
TODAYonline, Monday, October 10, 2011