The eight finalist teams for the 2011 Macao Galaxy Entertainment FIVB World Grand Prix (WGP) Finals – defending champions USA, Brazil, Russia, Serbia, Italy, Japan, Thailand and hosts China – arrived in Macao yesterday (August 22) to contest for the crown of this prestigious international women’s volleyball event.  Brazil were the first team to reach the city at the Macao International Airport in the early hours of the morning, whilst the other seven teams arrived at the Macao Maritime Ferry Terminal during the day. 

China arrived at around 12:00 pm and immediately proceeded to attend a promotional event at the Leal Senado Square, where they were greeted by fans eagerly waiting to meet their favourite players.  The team also left their autographs on a FIVB WGP commemorative album.  Guests who attended the promotional event include President of Macao Sport Development Board (MSDB) Mr. Vong Iao Lek, WGP Council President Mr. Masao Tachiki, President of Volleyball Association of Macao, China Mr. Pau Ma Chong, FIVB Control Committee Presidents Mr. Shanrit Wongprasert and Ms. Gabrielle van Zwieten, Vice President of Public Relations of title-sponsor Galaxy Entertainment Group Mr. Buddy Lam, and Vice Presidents of MSDB Mr. José Tavares and Mr. Pun Weng Kun.

The meet-the-players press conference for the 2011 Macao Galaxy Entertainment FIVB WGP Finals will be held today (23 August) at 4:00 pm.  The first round of matches of the Finals will be played tomorrow (24 August) at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, including Japan vs USA (11:00 am), Brazil vs Italy (1:30 pm), Thailand vs Russia (5:00 pm), and China vs Serbia (8:00 pm) after the Opening Ceremony at 7:00 pm.