Malaysia in tough group for World Junior Meet

KUALA LUMPUR Jan 10 - Malaysia have been drawn in a tough group for the Seventh World Basketball Championship for Junior Men, which they will host in July.

Coach Sim Sin Heng said Malaysia had an uphill task ahead as they were grouped with Croatia, Lithuania and Venezuela.

"Our participation is more for exposure of the young players as most of the other teams are sending world-class players," he told reporters after the draw for the 16-nation championship was made here Friday.

In the last championship in 1999, Croatia were second runners-up while Lithuania finished fifth and Venezuela, 12th.

Sim said the 12-member national team would continue training at the Malaysian Basketball Association (MABA) building here until the championship.

He said they were hoping that Phang Wai Choon, one of the most promising juniors, could return from his studies in China to beef up the squad.

The under-19 championship will be held from July 10 to 20. Groups A and C matches will be played in Penang while Groups B and D matches and the final will be held in Kuala Lumpur.

Group A:

Australia, Turkey, Argentina, South Korea.

Group B:

Puerto Rico, Greece, Iran, Angola.

Group C:

US, Slovenia, China, Nigeria.

Group D:

Croatia, Lithuania, Venezuela, Malaysia

Source: http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/content.asp?y=2003&dt=0111&pub=Utusan_Express&sec=Sports&pg=sp_01.htm