HAINING (FIBA Diamond Ball for Women) – European juggernauts Latvia have jumped at the chance to play at the FIBA Diamond Ball for Women ahead of this summer’s Beijing Games.

The Latvians, who clinched a spot in China at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women in Madrid, have replaced Japan following after the Asian country’s decision to withdraw.

The addition of the Baltic country means that all six national teams – Australia, China, Latvia, Mali, Russia and the United States - taking part in the Diamond Ball are sides that will also be competing at the Olympics.

The Latvians will take on Russia – the team that beat them in the semi-finals of last year’s EuroBasket – on August 2 and square off against the United States on August 3.

They will also play a game on August 5 on Finals Day.

Once at the Olympics, Latvia will be in Group A with Australia, Korea, Russia, Brazil and Belarus.

FIBA