International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) President Ruben Acosta said on Thursday that he believed the Chinese women's team will defend their title in 2008 Beijing Olympics.

 

"The Chinese women's team has been preparing for victory in Beijing since the Athens Olympics, and they have brought many new players to the team. In 2006, maybe they will not reach the summit yet, but they will in Beijing. They are the favorites." said Acosta, who was re-elected as the president of the world volleyball governing body on Wednesday.

 

"They would be much better than today after so many matches, because they are correcting their weak points. If they success, they will be on the top." added Acosta.

 

He said, "This is the only weak point they have - some young players. They lack experience, but I think they are overcoming this situation after they play many matches recently."

 

"At Athens, the Chinese team gave the most beautiful demonstration of persistence and endurance. I like the way the coach solved the problems after losing two sets and coming back to win the title. I hope this time China will solve all the problems they had this year and if sp they are favorite. They can win in the World Championship." said Acosta.

 

Acosta also pointed out the favorites in the 2006 World Championship as he said, "It is obvious that one of the contenders is Brazil, for both women and men. China for the women, Italy, Russia Cuba, I think one of these five teams will take the World Championship."

 

The 2006 World Championship will be held in Japan from October 31 to December 3.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2006)