Foton lands in ‘Group of Hope’ in Asian tiff

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines' Foton made it to the "Group of Hope" after drawing lightweights Hong Kong and Vietnam in the Asian Women's Club Championship the country will host from September 3 to 11.

This early, the Toplanders, who clinched the right to represent the country after topping the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix last year,  emerged as the favorites to sweep Group A following the draw done yesterday at the Foton's Quezon Ave. Showroom in Quezon City.

"We like our chances, it was a favorable draw," said Foton team manager Alvin Lu in the draw ceremony graced by volleyball chief Joey Romasanta, Asian Volleyball Confederation marketing and development committee chair and Superliga founder Tatz Suzara and AVC delegate  Jaksuwan Tocharoen of Thailand.

Thailand, the perennial Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, drew North Korea and Iran in Group B while Japan was bracketed with Kazakhstan and Indonesia in Group C.

Group D will be comprised of Asian powerhouse China, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia and Turkmenistan in what could be the "Group of Death."

Lu said Foton is tapping Aby Marano from F2 Logistics, Jen Reyes and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas from Petron, Rachel Daquiis, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Tina Salak and Honey Royse Tubino from RC Cola-Army to help reinforce the squad.

Imports expected to be tapped are Americans Ariel Usher and Lindsay Stalzer.

"We want to prepare early and form the strongest team possible because we want to make the country proud," said Lu, who said he is targeting to make the Final Four.

Foton will play Hong Kong on opening day before clashing Vietnam the next day.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the next round.