World Footy News

Final preparations are underway for the region's biggest Australian football event, the Asian Championships, to be held in Singapore at the Singapore Polo Club on September 6th.

The first Championships were held in Bangkok in the year 2000 and the event has grown in stature each year. It is expected that this year at least 10 sides will compete for the coveted trophy. Confirmed participants include the current title holders Hong Kong Dragons, 3-time runner-up Bali Geckos, 2-time winner Jakarta Bintangs, Malaysian Warriors, Vietnam Swans, Thailand Tigers, debutante Laos Elephants, UAE Heat, China Reds, and hosts and 2-time winners Singapore.

Last year's Asian Championships were held in Bangkok. The tournament saw 10 teams compete in two groups of 5. The Grand Final was played between Hong Kong and Bali Geckos, winners of their respective groups. At full time, scores were tied and after 10 minutes of extra time Hong Kong triumphed 6.7.43 to 5.4.34. A classic end to a magnificent day of football.

This year is expected to be another classic and the questions abound. Can Hong Kong retain their trophy or will the hosts prevail? Will Bali be bridesmaids again? Or will there be a surprise? Malaysia, Thailand and Jakarta have often threatened in recent years and the Dubai Heat did very well last year.

One thing we can be sure of, whoever wins will know they have played a very hard and very competitive day of football. Check here over the next few weeks for updates, team news, 'warm-up' games and other goss on the greatest footy show in Asia - the 9th edition of the Asian Championships.

More details of the event can be found on the Singapore Wombats web site.