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 kick off tomorrow (15 August) at the Macao Forum. The first match will start at 17:00 and feature Japan v Serbia, followed by China v Korea at 20:30.

For the fist match of Japan v Serbia, this will be the fourth World Grand Prix meeting between these nations. Japan won the first meeting 3-1 in 2011 and Serbia won the following two matches in straight sets.  At the 2010 World Championship, Japan defeated Serbia 3-1 in the group stage and Japan eventually finished third in the tournament which was held in Japan.

In the second match of Japan v Korea Republic, China have won nine of their 12 meetings with Korea in the World Grand Prix, including the last four all in striaight sets. The only meeting in Macao was won by China (3-1) in 1996 and at the London 2012 Olympic Games, China defeated Korea 3-2 in the group stage.

China, Japan and Serbia teams took part in a promotional event held at the famous Leal Senado Square today, where they were warmly received and interacted with local citizens and volleyball fans.  The three teams gathered for group photos at the Ruins of St Paul’s – an UNESCO World Heritage site, then made their way to the Leal Senado Square and attended a promotional event where the three captains Hui Ruoqi of China, Saori Kimura of Japan and Maja Ognejenovic of Serbia presented signed volleyballs to the Organizing Committee and to the presenting sponsor Galaxy Entertainment Group.

Guests attending the promotional event included President of Macao Sport Development Mr. Jose Tavares, President of Volleyball Association of Macao, China Mr. Pau Ma Chong and Vice President of Public Relations of Galaxy Entertainment Group Mr. Buddy Lam.