The tournament features 12 nations qualifying from five continents, except Thai-land, who are in the event as hosts.

Others from Asia are China and Japan, while squads from Europe come from Italy, Croatia and Germany.

The Brazilian team represent South America, while Egypt will be playing for Africa. Teams from North America are the US, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

The participating teams have been separated into two groups after the draw of lots yesterday at Sima Thani Hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima.

The Thai team, who are 21st in world rankings, are in Group A along with the US, world No 8 Egypt, the Dominican Republic, China, and world No 22 Germany.

"It's a good opportunity to gain valuable experience in an international event like this," said Shanrit Wongprasert, the general secretary of Thailand Volleyball Association (TVA).

"We hope our team will finish as one of the top six this time. We know it is not an easy job. We think our team has a chance to beat teams from Egypt and the Dominican Republic, but other matches are tough," said Shanrit.

The Thai girls, who will have a training camp from next week in the northeastern province, will play the Egyptians in the opener on July 20.

The Thai squad finished joint-ninth in 2003 when Suphan Buri hosted the event.

Meanwhile, Group B consists of Japan, top seed Brazil, world No 2 Italy, Puerto Rico, Croatia and Ukraine.

All teams in Group A will be competing at the Mall's MCC Hall, while the competition for Group B takes place at the 2,000-seat Gymnasium, which was newly built for the 24th SEA Games in December.

The semi-finals and final of the event will be on July 26 and 27 respectively.

The first match of each day will be played from 2pm with only one of the three matches televised live on Channel 7.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation

Nakhon Ratchasima