truebluefan

A total of 41 teams including 16 women's squads will be pitted against one another in the 9th Samila-Sang Som Asian Beach Volleyball Tournament, which takes place at the Samila Beach here from April 14 to 16.

The annual tournament is jointly held by the Thailand Volleyball Association, Songkhla and Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation. The team manager meeting and draw was held on April 13 at BP Hotel, with TVA's advisor Kij Prukcha-um and TVA's executive member Shanrit Wongprasert jointly presiding.

Among participating teams, hosts Thailand field three teams in the women's category. China, Kazakhstan, New Zealand and Vietnam are sending two teams apiece, while Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia field one team each. Also competing here are Singapore and Sri Lanka.

Twenty-five teams will strut their stuff in the men's event. Hosts Thailand are sending three teams, while two teams each are from Indonesia, China, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Teams fielding one team apiece comprise Australia, India, Hong Kong, Iran, the Philippines and Singapore.

According to the women's draw, Thailand 2's Jarunee Sannok and Usa Tenpaksee, champions at the April 9-11 Phatthalung-Loma-Sang Som Asian Beach Volleyball Invitation in Phatthalung, New Zealand 1, Indonesia and Singapore are in Group A, while China 1 join Vietnam 1, Thailand 3 and Sri Lanka in Group B.

Group C comprises Thailand 1, China 2, Kazakhstan 1 and New Zealand 2, with Kazakhstan 2, Malaysia, Vietnam 2 and Laos in Group D.

The men's draw saw Thailand 1's Sathaporn Sawangruang and Borworn Yangthin, winners at the Phatthalung-hosted Asian Beach Volleyball Invitation, Vietnam 1 and Laos 1 in Group A.

Group B consists of New Zealand1, India and Vietnam 2, with Iran, Australia, Malaysia 1 in Group C. Thailand 2, New Zealand 2 and the Philippines are in Group D, while China 2 joins Kazkhstan 1 and Malaysia 2 in Group E.

Thailand 3, Kazakhstan 2 and Laos 2 play in Group F, with Indonesia 2, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka 1 in Group G. Group H consists of Indonesia 1, China 1, Singapore and Sri Lanka 2.

On the same day, all participating teams joined the Songkran (watering) Festival Procession with Songkhla residents. They splashed water to one another, some with big water guns in their hands. Chinese players also pitted their expertise in the sea boxing competition at Hat Yai.

The competition kicks off officially on April 14 at 4pm, with Songkhla Governor Sonthi Techanan presiding.

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