The board of FIBA Europe has approved the Celje Arena in Celje and Hala Tivoli in Ljubljana as the two alternative First Round venues for EuroBasket 2013 in Slovenia. The two venues will replace Novo Mesto and Ptuj sports halls, which withdrew from hosting the tournament. The other two EuroBasket 2013 First Round venues are Koper and Jesenice. The Second and Final Rounds will be played in Ljubljana's Stozice Arena. EuroBasket 2013 is scheduled from Sept. 4-22 (FIBA Europe). ...
Wales rugby team "will face Asian champions Japan in a two-match test series next June." Warren Gatland’s men will travel to Japan to face the Brave Blossoms in Osaka on June 8 and in Tokyo on June 15 (London DAILY MAIL, 9/24).
IN CAMBODIA...: Siem Reap's Angkor Wat temple complex will host a double-header for charity during the first weekend of December. The seventh annual Angkor Wat Bike Race & Ride serves as a "dress rehearsal" on Dec. 1 for the Angkor Wat Int'l Half Marathon the following day. Interest worldwide for the cycling event has grown steadily over the years, and organizers Village Focus Int'l, which implements human rights programs in Cambodia and Laos, "are expecting a turnout of around 1,000 riders this year" (PHNOM PENH POST, 9/24). ... The Traditional Dragon Boat and Canoe/Kayak Championships will return to the riverfront of Takhmao town in Kandal province with races beginning at 8am Tuesday. This year, 756 participants "have signed up to compete" (PHNOM PENH POST, 9/24).
