IN the lead-up to the Netball World Cup starting July 12, we are previewing each of the automatic qualifiers individually, and then looking at each region’s qualification path’s to the sport’s highest ranked international tournament. In today’s region preview, we take a look at the Asian region, which saw Sri Lanka and Singapore both qualify for the World Cup. It was a tough task taking on other nations such as Malaysia and Hong Kong who are both well known for their competitiveness but in the end Sri Lanka and Singapore prevailed making their way to the Netball World Cup in Liverpool.

There were multiple countries competing to make it through to the World Cup in Liverpool with the likes of Sri Lanka, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Maldives and Pakistan all competing to move through to the next stage. Japan, Brunei and Philippines were unable to take part in the Asian qualifiers as they are not currently ranked even though they are apart of the International Netball Federation.

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World Cup Previews:

Sri Lanka

Coach: Tilaka Jindasa
Ranking: 19th
Best Result: 9th
Predicted: 12th

Sri Lanka are one of the lowest ranked sides in the competition coming in at 19th but have plenty to offer and are not to be underestimated. They edged out Hong Kong in the semi-fianls of the qualification stage to remain undefeated showcasing that they have the ability to win and work through tricky situations. Star shooter Tharjini Sivalingam offers plenty of razzle dazzle in the circle with the 208cm goaler posing an eminent threat. Her sheer ability to turn and shoot makes her hard to stop when on song and could cause havoc for opposition defenders. Sivalingam would be used to the physicality and high intensity of the Australian style of netball playing in the Victorian Netball League for the City West Falcons making her an integral member in the Sri Lankan side. Captain Chathurangi Jayasooriya will be wanting to lead from the front in her 44th international game. The goal defence has shown that she can take game changing intercepts and use her speed and defensive pressure to regain possession and propel the ball forward for Sri Lanka. But the real question for Sri Lanka will be through their midcourt and whether or not they can withstand the pressure of their opponents coming up against the likes of world number ones Australia as well as Northern Ireland and Zimbabwe. The Sri Lankan team will be wanting to pull out all the stops against Zimbabwe in hope to secure a big win, with victories against Australia and Northern Ireland unlikely given their netball prowess.

Singapore:

Coach: Natalie Milicich
Ranking: 26th
Best result: 8th
Predicted: 16th

Singapore are a bit of an unknown quantity heading into the World Cup but you can guarantee that they will work tirelessly across the four quarters to try and cause upsets. This is the fourth World Cup that Singapore will compete in and they will be hoping to make a splash with their quick ball movement and unpredictability. Singapore are the lowest ranked nation in the competition sitting 26th on the international ranking system but will not that let them faze them showing that they have the talent and skill beating Malaysia to make it through to the World Cup stage. It was a hard fought battle between Singapore and Malaysia with Singapore narrowly edging their competition out of the qualifiers with an eight goal win. Given their inexperience on the world stage Singapore will be wanting to leave a lasting impression and really impose themselves on the contest with the likes of Charmaine Soh standing up in the goal circle during the Asian qualifiers. Soh has a commanding presence under the ring and if they can deliver the ball into her she could cause headaches as shown in the qualifiers. Singapore will face netball royalty New Zealand during the pool stage along with Malawi who have slowly but steadily risen up the ranks. They will have their hands full against the likes of Maria Folau, Ameliaranne Ekenasio in the goal circle while up the other end Katrina Rore, Jane Watson and Casey Kopua could create havoc for the Singapore shooters, but one thing they have shown is their never-say-die attitude.