The FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Macao 2014, sanctioned by FIVB, organized by Macao Sport Development Board and Volleyball Association of Macao, China and presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group, will be held at the Macao Forum from 15 to 17 August. The four participating teams - China, Japan, Korea and Serbia - met with the press today at the pre-event press conference.

President of Macao Sport Development Board and President of the Organizing Committee, Mr. José Tavares commented that joining the 19^th edition of the event in Macao are four top 10 ranked teams in the world including the local favourite team China, the frequent Asian title holder Japan, the bronze medalists of the 2013 tournament Serbia and returning team Korea. He also expressed his confidence that local volleyball fans will witness some wonderful matches played by these four teams in the next few days and wished the teams the best of luck and results.

The coaches then expressed their expectations for the Macao leg. China’s coach Lang Ping: “The competition this weekend will be very intense as all the teams participated in the FIVB World Grand Prix are all very strong teams with very high standard of play. I hope my team will be fully prepared for every game this weekend and can play to their best; and for the young players to learn from the strengths of the other teams and improve their game.” Japan’s coach Masayoshi Manabe: “We are very honored to be in Macao for the FIVB World Grand Prix.  As the finals will be in Japan next week, my team shall play our best up until the finals.”

Serbia’s coach Zoran Terric: “After two weekends and six very difficult games, we currently rank at 4th place in the Group’s standing and have a good chance reaching the finals. We expect another difficult weekend here in Macao playing against 3 very good teams, we will make the most of the chances and play our best.” Korea’s coach Lee Sungoo: “This is the third week of the competition; my team is a little tired after a long time travelling away from home. However my team is full of young and vibrant players, and we look forward to very interesting games this weekend to play against three very good teams.”

The FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Macao 2014 starts this Friday on 15 August, with Japan v Serbia at 17.00 and China v Korea at 20.30. On Saturday, 16 August: Japan v Korea at 14:30, followed by China v Serbia at 17:00. On the last day 17 August, Korea v Serbia at 13:00 and the final match China v Japan at 15:00.

For more information of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Macao 2014, please call 28236363 or visit www.macauwgp.com.