Eagle-eye technology for Women's Grand Prix volleyball tournament
Latest system for instant replays may be used for HK leg of women's grand prix
Organisers of the Hong Kong leg of the FIVB World Women's Grand Prix may adopt the latest eagle-eye system when the volleyball tournament is held at the Coliseum this summer.
A new format will see four top-tier teams including home favourites China, European powerhouses Italy, Japan and reigning Asian champions Thailand compete for a total winning purse of US$95,000 on August 8-10.
"The Hong Kong leg of the grand prix features all first division teams and therefore the governing body may ask us to install the new system," said Hong Kong Volleyball Association vice-president Marina Tsui Wai-fun.
The Hong Kong leg of the grand prix features all first division teams and therefore the governing body may ask us to install the new system
The new system will see several high-speed cameras on court to provide instant replays for any of the teams to challenge a referee's decision. Tsui said Hong Kong could either buy the entire system, which costs over HK$1 million, or lend one for about HK$100,000 if they were told to do so by the world governing body.
The world grand prix has adopted a new format this year, with teams being divided into three divisions - 12 in the first division, eight in the second and another eight in the third.
The top four teams in division one after three rounds of competition will qualify for the final in Tokyo, along with hosts Japan. They will be joined by the first-placed team from division two.
"The Hong Kong leg will definitely be a crowd-puller as all four teams are top quality," said Tsui. "China are a traditional power, especially after the return of head coach Lang Ping, while the Italians have great height. Japan were bronze medallists at the London Olympics and Thailand captured two Asian championship titles in 2009 and 2013."