CZE - Bobrovsky takes team to China

PRAGUE (FIBA World Championship for Women) - Czech Republic boss Jan Bobrovsky believes his players will face a stern test on their forthcoming tour of China.

The EuroBasket 2005 winners are preparing for the FIBA World Championship for Women in Brazil and Bobrovsky's team will play two tournaments in the Far East against Russia, Australia and the host nation.

He told www.basket.idnes.cz: "A quality test awaits us in China. China, Russia and Australia will test our playing abilities after our physical preparation.

"We will play important games against Russia and Australia, who will play in Brazil, and the games against China will help us to prepare for the Asian style of basketball."

The Czechs won a thrilling EuroBasket gold medal game against defending champions Russia last year in Turkey. Bobrovsky says this summer's workouts are similar to the preparation he used before the 2004 Olympics.

"We used the same model of preparation before Olympic Games in Athens and we were satisfied with it," he said.

"The only complication (this time) is the journey. We will wait 13 hours in Shanghai for our connection to Paris during our journey back."

Squad for tour to China:
Irena Borecka, Michala Hartigova, Darina Johnova, Zuzana Klimesova, Petra Kulichova, Hana Machova, Marketa Mokrosova, Michaela Pavlickova, Michaela Uhrova, Ivana Vecerova, Jana Vesela and Eva Viteckova.

By PA Sport
Exclusively for FIBA