The FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Macao 2017, organized by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the Volleyball Association of Macao, China and presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), kicks off tomorrow (14 July) at the Macao Forum.  The four participating teams – China, Italy, Turkey and the USA – met with the media today at the pre-event press conference.

Mr. Pun Weng Kun, President of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and President of the Organizing Committee, expressed his welcome to all four teams and his sincere gratitude for the continuous trust and support shown by FIVB over the years.  He also expressed his confidence that volleyball fans will witness some wonderful matches in the next few days and wished the teams the best of luck and results.

The coaches then shared their thoughts and expectations for the Macao leg of the tournament.

China coach An Jiajie: “We are delighted to return to Macao and it is an honor to play against Italy, Turkey and the USA.  Last weekend’s matches in Kunshan were a great challenge to our young players and we are looking to improve on our performance in the forthcoming matches.”

USA coach Karch Kiraly: “First of all I would like to thank the organizers in Macao, we are hosted really well and I wish we could play here every year.  Secondly it is an honor to be here with great competition.  We are looking forward to learning and improving and competing against three great teams in Turkey, Italy and China.”

Italy coach Davide Mazzanti: “The second round of matches in Macao will be even more difficult than those in the first round.  We are looking to learn and to improve on our game.  Good luck to all the teams.”

Turkey coach Giovanni Guidetti: “Macao has served us great and I would like to thank the local organizers for the hospitality.  We are playing three very strong teams in this leg of matches so it is a great opportunity of us to see how much progress we can make day by day and week by week.”

The FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Macao 2017 starts tomorrow with Turkey v USA at 16.00, with the latter currently on a four-game winning streak against their opponents.  China v Italy then follows at 20.00, a rematch from last week in Kunshan where the hosts won 3:1.

Match tickets are in hot demand with those for 15 and 16 of July already sold out. A limited number of tickets remaining for 14 July (MOP150.00, free-seating) are on sale at the Macao Forum two hours before the start of the first match.  Tickets that are purchased online can be redeemed at the ticketing counter at the Macao Forum upon presentation of valid receipt and personal identification document from two hours before the start of the first match.

In addition, GEG will hold lucky draws for spectators at the venue, with prizes including motorcycles, hotel accommodation and food and beverage vouchers.  For more information, please call 28236363 or visit www.macaowgp.com.