FIBA Americas - Late withdrawals by Jamaica, Costa Rica

MEXICO CITY (FIBA Americas U20 Championship for Women) - The FIBA Americas Championship for U20 Women has been reduced to six teams after Jamaica and Costa Rica surprisingly withdrew from the tournament just hours before it was to begin.

Both teams cited serious financial problems as the main reason for their absences from the tournament which qualifies three teams for the FIBA World Championship for U21 Women.

The championship was originally scheduled with eight teams divided in two groups of four.

The tournament will carry on in a round robin format, with all six teams playing each other from August 8-12.

The first round of matches on Tuesday night will see the United States take on Puerto Rico, while Brazil meet Canada and hosts Mexico welcome Bahamas.

The best three teams of the tournament after the five matchdays will qualify for the World Championship.

PA Sport