China, Australia favourites in battle of heavyweights

Division 'A' will see youth teams from some of Asia and Oceania's top basketball nations battle it out for top honours and four qualifying berths in the

2018 FIBA U-17 Women's World Cup

in Minsk, Belarus. Here's a look at how they line up…

AUSTRALIA

Nickname: Sapphires
World ranking: 7
Performance in 2015 Oceania: Winners
U-17 World Championships: Winners (2016)
U-16 Oceania Championships: Winners (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015)
Won the

FIBA

U-17 Women's World Championship last year and will be eager to defend the title by finishing among the top-four and qualifying for the 2018 tournament.

CHINA

World ranking: 9
Performance in 2015 Asia: Winners
U-17 World Championships: Bronze (2010)
U-16 Asia Championships: Winners (2009, 2013, 2015); Bronze (2011)
In the four editions of the tournament, China bagged three titles and a bronze and are undoubtedly the favourites to win the championship again.

JAPAN

Nickname: Akatsuki Five
World ranking: 11
Performance in 2015 Asia: Runners-up
U-16 Asia Championships: Winner (2011); Silver (2009, 2013, 2015)
Having seen their seniors lift the Women's Asia Cup at the Kanteerava a few months ago, the victory will act as inspiration for the youngsters who will look to make it a splendid double.

SOUTH KOREA

World ranking: 15
Performance in 2015 Asia: Bronze
U-16 Asia Championships: Silver (2011); Bronze (2013, 2015)
Amidst stiff challenge from Australia, Japan and China, the Koreans will be keen on emulating their male compatriots who won their first-ever U-16 Championship in 2015.

CHINESE TAIPEI

World ranking: 27
Performance in 2015 Asia: Fourth
U-16 Asia Championships: Bronze (2009)
Have the potential to spring a surprise and bag the fourth and final World Cup qualifying spot.

NEW ZEALAND

Nickname: Tall Ferns
World ranking: 33
Performance in 2015 Oceania: Runners-up
U-16 Oceania Championships: Runners-up (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015)
Drawn alongside Oceania rivals Australia, the Kiwis will be eager to put forth a fighting performance in their maiden Asian age-group tournament.

THAILAND

World ranking: 35
Performance in 2015 Asia: Fifth
U-16 Asia Championships: None
Managed to secure their place in Division A after beating India in the group stage and then Indonesia in the playoff.

HONG KONG

World ranking: 43
Performance in 2015 Asia: Seventh
U-16 Asia Championships: None
Made the top tier after defeating India in the division qualifying playoff and will aim to keep their place.