World No.1, the United States, and No.2, Australia, are to lead a herd of world elites to compete in the Good Luck Beijing 2008 women's basketball internationals here, which is to kick off on Saturday.
China, Cuba, South Korea and New Zealand are other competing nations in the six-team tournament from April 19-26, the only competition to be held at the Wukesong Arena, site of the 2008 Olympic basketball competitions, before the Games.
Lisa Leslie, who missed the World Championships in 2006 when the U.S. finished third, is back to the national team to join former teammates Kate Smith, Swin Cash and Lindsey Harding, as well as several of the younger college players.
The 2006 world champion Australia misses its top players like Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor as they will remain in Europe under contract.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) will host the 2008 Olympic basketball draw, for both men's and women's competitions, on the last day of the tournament.
Teams will play in a round-robin preliminary round from April 19-24, with two teams with the best records facing off in the gold medal game.
(Xinhua News Agency April 19, 2008)