Cuba, China to play volleyball friendlies

HAVANA, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Cuba's men's volleyball team will face China later on Tuesday in Cuba's capital Havana in the first of friendly games to help them prepare for a May 23-25 Olympic qualifier in German city Dusseldorf, local media said.

The teams play both matches in Sports City Coliseum in Havana. The second match will be on Wednesday.

Cuba has replaced around half of its members. The most significant change is Raidel Hierrezuela replacing Yoandri Diaz, who is recovering from surgery.

However, Cuba has kept centers Odelvis Dominico and Robertlandy Simon; attackers Henry Bell and Rolando Jurquin; and opposite Yadier Sanchez.

Cuba is training to win a place in the Olympic Games, which begin in Beijing in August. China, which already has a place as a host, focuses on the World League, which begins on June 13.

Cuba will play Spain, Chinese Taipei and Germany in the Dusseldorf qualifier. In the World League it is in Group B facing Italy, Russia and South Korea. China is in Group D facing Japan, Poland and Egypt.