SpacerManchester will witness the rough and tumble of the first Commonwealth Water Polo Championships for more than 50 years when some of the world's most skilled squads, including current Olympic champions and World Championship medallists, come together for a week of intense competition starting on Sunday (24th March). Olympic gold winners the Australian Women and last year's World Championship bronze medallists the Canadian Women will offer the rare opportunity of glimpsing some of the best in action during the week-long world class water polo event.

SpacerAnd the men's competition promises to be just as thrilling with the Australians, Canadians and New Zealand providing the highlights for what is anticipated to be a packed Commonwealth Games pool in Manchester.

SpacerHopes are high that hosts England can medal with the women's team providing the best bet. Internationally experienced athletes such as goalkeeper Jennifer Braddock, centre forward Liz Green and left hand catch Lisa Knights will be out to motivate others as they aim for a podium spot. Australia will start as favourites in the men's tournament with South Africa offering a real threat to their hopes as well as Canada. New Zealand will be hard to beat with a solid grounding in the tough Australian National League and Singapore, also from the league down under, have turned in some impressive results recently. Nine teams will contest the men's title with the top two in each group qualifying for the semi-finals before taking a shot at a medal.

SpacerThe top four out of a league of five in the women's event will follow the same process en route to glory. A tough training regime has prepared both English squads for the championships and training camps to Italy for the men and Hungary for the women will ensure they are in top form for the start of the action. In fact England Women's first test could not be sterner. They kick off their campaign on the opening day against joint favourites for the title the Canadians. A good performance, however, will give the women the confidence and belief needed to reach their potential.

SpacerGreen explained: "We could or should get a bronze medal. We're not going to beat the likes of Australia, and the Canadians are also pretty strong, but a bronze would just be fantastic. It would be a very proud moment."

SpacerThe inaugural championships, which are not part of this summer's Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games but have been sanctioned by the Commonwealth Federation, take place at the Aquatics Centre.

SpacerThe Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and Manchester 2002 are supporting the event.

SpacerTeams in the men's event:
Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Malta, Wales, Canada, New Zealand, England, and Northern Ireland.

SpacerTeams in the women's event:
Australia, Canada, South Africa, and Northern Ireland.

For further information, contact Senior Press Officer for the ASA Dave Richards on 01509 618756, 0778 992 6136 or email: david.richards@swimming.org

From Friday 22nd March onwards Russell McKinnon will be in Manchester as the press officer for the event and can be contacted on 0799 069 8822.