Saint-Dié, France, April 28, 2005 – Belgium continued their excellent form while the hosts France started their campaign superbly as both teams collected victories on the second day of the 2006 Women’s World Championship first round tournament (Europe Pool C) in Saint-Dié, France on Thursday by beating Norway and Finland respectively.

Ranked as outsiders before the tournament, Belgium, at 66th in the world, beat 56th ranked Norway in straight sets 25-12, 25-18, 25-10 while France proved to be in devastating form, showing exquisite on court skill to hand Finland their second defeat of the tournament 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-19).
Pic: Belgium's Liesbet Vindevoghel tries to beat the Norwegian block
After beating Finland on the opening day on Wednesday, Belgium continued their wonderful run with a storming display over Norway and with two victories from as many matches they are now in a strong position to claim one of the two tickets on offer through to the 2006 Women’s World Championship second round.

The top two teams will advance to the second round with the winner of the tournament joining Greece, Ukraine and another first round team in June, while the second placed side will head to Azerbaijan in May to play the hosts, Romania and Spain.

Unbeaten Belgium play France on Friday, which promises to be a classic match. France won their opening match against Finland by showing superior power and efficiency on attack, particularly on the flanks and will now head into their clash with Belgium with plenty of confidence, particularly with their home crowd behind them.

The France v Belgium clash will open proceedings on day three on Friday at 18.30 (CET), followed by Finland taking on Bosnia & Herzegovina at 21.00 (CET) with Norway receiving the rest day.

Friday also sees the Bosnia & Herzegovina men’s team in action for the first time with Estonia hosting a 2006 Men’s World Championship first round tournament (Europe Pool D) with the hosts, Israel, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Albania playing against each other over three days from which only the winner will advance to the second round.