Likewise, nine times champions China, led by Miao Lijie, and title holders Korea too are full strength. The two, along with Japan and Chinese-Taipei have always finished in the top four since 1988.

Meanwhile, the Indian team, skippered by Geetu Anna Jose, has been training at the venue, though it remains to be seen whether they can retain their spot in Level 1, leave alone winning the tournament or qualifying for the 2010 World Championship.

India will be up against China, Chinese-Taipei, Japan, Korea and Thailand in Level 1 while Level 2 has Lebanon, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

The top two teams from Level 2 will play off against the bottom two teams from Level 1 to decide two qualifiers for Level 1 in the next championship.