China, Korea, Japan lead field in beach volley

Crack teams from China, Korea and Japan fly to town next week for the sixth leg of the 2002 Asian Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship dubbed the first Clark Centennial Cup to be held at scenic Clearwater Resort in Clark, Pampanga.

The tournament starts Nov. 6 with at least seven countries vying for the leg championship and a chunk of the $10,000 prize money.

The Philippines will be sending two teams to the event organized by the AYN Sporting Management Group of former Philippine Basketball Association coach Chito Narvasa and the Philippine Amateur Volleyball Association and backed by Speedo, Gatorade, Philippine Airlines, Globe, Absolute and The STAR.

Enlisted Armywomen and sisters Michelle and Marietta Carolino banner the Philippine bid in the tournament, which will be played in the breathtaking seaside of the Clearwater Resort in the former United States base.

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon has been invited as guest of honor during the opening ceremonies to be held Wednesday afternoon. The tournament lasts three days.

The Asian Beach Volleyball circuit for men and women started 10 years ago and plays a total of seven legs a season. The participants will be coming in straight from a stint in Hong Kong this week and one in Korea which was held simultaneously with the Asian Games.

Legs have already been played in Thailand, Indonesia and world power China.

Clark Development Corporation is hosting the event as part of its Centennial celebration.