Argentina, Korea and Namibia will compete for the first time in the 2012 WSF Women’s World Team Championshipin November in Nimes, France, where a record 26 nations will take part in the biennial World Squash Federation event.
In a further unique development for world squash, initiated by hosts the Fédération Française de Squash, action will take place on three new state-of-the-art all-glass show courts.
Staged in France for the first time in its 33-year history, the championship will be held at the La Parnasse Arena and the eight-court Club des Costières, in Nimes, from 12-17 November.
Whilst Argentina has two world-ranked players, Korea and Namibia will make their debuts on the world stage with unranked players – but will be determined to make their mark.
Asian entries will be boosted by China, making only their second appearance, alongside championship regulars Hong Kong, Japan and India, and bronze medallists in the past three events, Malaysia.
Defending champions Australia will be looking to extend their nine-title record – while 2008 champions Egypt and six-time champions England, winners in 2006, will undoubtedly be going for gold again.
Meanwhile, hosts France – appearing in the event for the 14th successive time since 1987 – will want to improve on their best ever finish in sixth place at the last staging in New Zealand.
The full list of nations competing in the 2012 championships is: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, USA and Wales.
Official event website: www.worldwomensquash-