JINAN (China) - The FIBA 3x3 Women's Series continues its swing through China with a brand-new destination as Jinan hosts its first-ever stop on July 18-19. Sixteen teams from Asia and Europe will battle for valuable Race to the Final points in the capital of Shandong Province, setting the stage for another thrilling weekend on the world's premier women's 3x3 basketball circuit.
Leading the field are Ulaanbaatar Amazons (MGL), who return as the No. 1 seed after establishing themselves as one of the dominant teams on this year's FIBA 3x3 Women's Series. Powered by the dynamic Khulan Onolbaatar, the Mongolian powerhouse will be eager to bounce back after finishing runners-up at the most recent stop in Xiantao and add another title to an already impressive campaign.
Standing in their way is another deep field loaded with title contenders. Germany (GER) arrive as the second seed behind the steady leadership of Marie Reichert, while host nation China (CHN), fresh off its triumph in Xiantao, will look to ride home support once again with Yang Hengyu spearheading the attack. Fourth-seeded France (FRA), featuring veteran star Laetitia Guapo, completes a formidable top four capable of lifting the trophy.
The remaining seedings promise plenty of intrigue. France U25 (FRA), Beijing (CHN), Mitsubishi Electric (JPN) and Thailand (THA) round out the top eight, while Paris Région IDF (FRA), Mongolia (MGL), Yanjing (CHN), Philippines (PHI), Manila (PHI), Bangkok CT (THA), Sukhbaatar (MGL) and Vietnam (VIE) complete the field.
Before the Main Draw tips off, six teams will battle for the last two berths. Qualifying Draw A features Yanjing, Bangkok CT and Sukhbaatar, while Qualifying Draw B is an all-Southeast Asian affair, with Philippines, Manila and Vietnam all going head-to-head.
Compelling Main Draw
Top seeds Ulaanbaatar Amazons headline Pool A, where they will face Thailand and Paris Région IDF.
Pool B features second seeds Germany alongside Mitsubishi Electric and Mongolia in what could prove to be one of the tournament's most balanced groups.
Host favorites China lead Pool C with fellow Chinese side Beijing awaiting the winner of Qualifying Draw A, ensuring plenty of local flavor.
Meanwhile, Pool D offers an intriguing French clash as France and France U25 are joined by the winner of Qualifying Draw B.
With established powers, rising challengers and passionate home support converging at Jinan Sunac Mall, all the ingredients are in place for another memorable stop on the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series.
Full Seedings List:
1. Ulaanbaatar Amazons (MGL) 2. Germany (GER) 3. China (CHN) 4. France (FRA) 5. France U25 (FRA) 6. Beijing (CHN) 7. Mitsubishi Electric (JPN) 8. Thailand (THA) 9. Paris Région IDF (FRA) 10. Mongolia (MGL) 11. Yanjing (CHN) 12. Philippines (PHI) 13. Manila (PHI) 14. Bangkok CT (THA) 15. Sukhbaatar (MGL) 16. Vietnam (VIE)
Pools
Qualifying Draw A: Yanjing (CHN), Bangkok CT (THA), Sukhbaatar (MGL) Qualifying Draw B: Philippines (PHI), Manila (PHI), Vietnam (VIE)
Main Draw
Pool A: Ulaanbaatar Amazons (MGL), Thailand (THA), Paris Région IDF (FRA) Pool B: Germany (GER), Mitsubishi Electric (JPN), Mongolia (MGL) Pool C: China (CHN), Beijing (CHN), QD A Pool D: France (FRA), France U25 (FRA), QD B
FIBA