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Published on September 4, 2007

Tajikistan, who were drawn in Group A with hosts Thailand and Australia, gave no reasons for withdrawing.

Meanwhile, there are doubts about Uzbekistan's participation but officials say the withdrawals will not affect the schedule of the biennial competition, which ends on September 13.

A total of 12 teams had arrived in Nakhon Ratchasima by yesterday.

Olympic champions China are expected to stretch their domination to an 11th year in succession.

As said, Thailand and Australia are in Group A - and set to play in the curtain raiser.

Group B has China, who have captured the crown for 10 consecutive times since their first victory in 1987, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

Group C consists of Kazakhstan, runners-up in the previous edition in Taicang (China) two years ago, Taiwan, debutants Iran and New Zealand.

Group D has Japan, Korea, Uzbekistan and Indonesia.

After the first match, Vietnam play Sri Lanka, New Zealand meet Taiwan, Korea faces Indonesia, Japan take on Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan play Iran. The two top teams from each group advance to the next round.

The Asian meet is regarded as a qualifier for the 2007 World Cup, the Olympic Qualification Tournament and next year's World Grand Prix.

Top three teams (except China and Japan) will be eligible for the World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Japan next May. The best team from the tournament (also except China and Japan) will make the cut for the World Cup in Japan in November, while the second best ranked team will also have the chance to qualify according to their world rankings compared with those finishing second in other continents.

The top two teams from the Asian meet (except China and Japan) will have a chance of testing their mettle in the World Grand Prix next year.

Rankings to determine the teams for the three tournaments will be made among six teams, while the results of matches against China and Japan will not be counted.

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

Nakhon Ratchasima