FIBA Asia - Retention, relegation or promotion: the play-off interest

INCHEON (FIBA Asia Championship for Women) - Even as four coaches work themselves up for the Olympic berth, there's as much tension, if not more among four more coaches.

India, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia will involve themselves in as much a no-holds barred battle as the semifinalists, in a different set of two matches: in the play-offs for next edition's Level I. A win on Saturday would mean the teams play in the elite division next edition, and a defeat would mean having to Level II.

"Our sole purpose has been to earn qualification," said Indian coach Sat Prakash after his team powered their way to top of Level II with an all-win record. "One defeat tomorrow will nullify all those wins," he said.

"We have been preparing for the last four years with this one point agenda. As far as we are concerned, it's no less than preparing for the Olympics."

"They have been playing extremely well. In fact, I thought they already belong to Level I," said Malaysian coach Tan See Wah.

"India Vs. Malaysia, in the women's section, has traditionally produced some excellent matches. Tomorrow will be no different," he said.

Thailand coach of Korean origin Kim Jae Wong has a point to prove on his 'home' turf. "If we don't win the play-offs in my homeland, then there's no point," he said, choosing to stay back to watch the Hong Kong-Singapore encounter on Thursday.

Hong Kong assistant coach Wu Lai Fong said "a promotion would mean lots to Hong Kong women's basketball."

"There are many difficulties we face to even play regularly. Earning a promotion will really boost us."

S Mageshwaran
FIBA Asia