A new wave of basketball frenzy is set to sweep China this summer with the launch of the Stankovic Continental Champions Cup in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province from August 11 to 15.

The event, dubbed the "mini World Cup", was held in Beijing last year with hoop powerhouses Argentina and Lithuania joining the tournament.

The line-up this time is even stronger, featuring Asian champions China, Oceania champions Australia, South American title holders Brazil and the top three finalists of the European Championships - Greece, Germany and France.

The tournament, named after Borislav Stankovic, secretary general of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), is also seen as important warm-up event before the World Basketball Championships in Japan on August 19.

"This is the biggest international basketball event in China, and I promise to fans that the competitions will be very exciting," said Ching Men-Ky Carl, president of International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

"I also hope that China's team can improve through the event and play good basketball at the coming World Championships."

China ranked fourth at the inaugural Stankovic Cup in 2005 with Lithuania winning the title.

This year's event is organized by FIBA, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the Jiangsu Sports Bureau.

(China Daily March 3, 2006)