HA NOI (VNS)–Viet Nam will face tough opposition for the World Junior Badminton Championships which begin timorrow in Chiba, Japan.

The team have been drawn in Group Y1 together with France, who will be their first rivals. They will compete against Malaysia, the group favourites, the next day – and Ukraine the day after.

Another 26 teams have been divided into seven groups.

According to Vietnamese coaches, Malaysia will be the most difficult opponent because their players are world class, despite their young age.

The team event will wrap up on October 29, and then the organisers will draw for the singles and double events. These games will start on October 30.

Athletes Do Tuan Duc (male) and Le Thu Huyen (female) are unlikely to finish in the top three, but have targeted to get through the first round.