Let the show begin

SINGAPORE:

It is what the queens of the court in the Commonwealth had long been waiting for. Finally, the Singapore Indoor Stadium came to life with an opening ceremony that glittered in the dark, so to speak, as the festivities were unleashed in an arena whose lights had been dimmed.

Significantly, it added life and colour to the spectacle of performers - which included lion dancers - for the start of the 2011 version of the Missions Foods World Netball Championships 2011.

Molly Rhone, the Jamaican president of the International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA), said: "Singapore is the stage of the World Netball Championships. We have heard the popular edict, it's better the second time around and by all accounts it's clear to me that Singapore will do that."

Rhone added: "Why are the 13th World Netball Championships important? From IFNA's perspective, they are an opportunity to showcase netball and enhance the development of the sport.

"For spectators and fans watching this on television, it's about witnessing their favourite teams in action."

The hosts made it abundantly clear who was their favourite, belching out loud cheers for their lasses as they paraded last among the 16 competitors, who marched into the Indoor Stadium.

Additionally, Singapore enhanced the opening act with a performance by their captain Jean Ng and performer Julia Abueva, joining in a segment that illustrated netball and teamwork.

Altogether, there were a number of performances in the segment which lasted for 90 minutes.

The eight-day championships, which will run from July 3-10, is being hosted for the second time by Singapore, and chairperson of the local organising committee, Jessica Tan, was delighted it had returned after making its debut 28 years ago.

"It's now more than 20 years since Singapore last hosted the World Championships in 1983," said Tan. "This is not only an opportunity for Singapore to extend our hospitality to the world, it will more importantly allow us to witness the world's best netball nations and players."

She added: "I am really glad that IFNA and our netball nations have allowed us to make this a reality."

A little less than half the 11,000-seater venue was full for the opening ceremony, which included guest-of-honour, President S.R. Nathan, who was pleasantly surprised when organisers brought out a cake to mark his 87th birthday. The festivities have truly begun.

Competing teams

Pool A

Australia (Oceania)

Sri Lanka (Asia)

Northern Island (Europe)

Samoa (Oceania)

Pool B

New Zealand (Oceania)

Trinidad & Tobago (Americas & the Caribbean)

Fiji (Oceania)

Wales (Europe)

Pool C

Jamaica (Americas & the Caribbean)

Singapore (Asia)

South Africa (Africa)

Botswana (Africa)

Pool D

England (Europe)

Barbados (Americas & the Caribbean)

Malawi (Africa)

Malaysia (Asia)

Tomorrow's schedule

4:45 a.m. - Jamaica vs Botswana