q Scotland booked their place in the finals through the European Nations Cup in Holland (1995), a preliminary round tournament in Port of Spain, Trinidad (1996) and a final qualifying tournament at Harare, Zimbabwe (1997).
They go into the tournament seeded ninth. If they fulfil their ranking they will have done exceptionally well. Australia will start favourites to retain their crown and are likely to be joined in the semi-finals by Germany and Holland, but the fourth spot is wide open.
Korea who were silver medalists behind Australia in the Atlanta Olympics appear to have lost their form following a recent 9-1 defeat by Australia and so they could have a battle on their hands with fast improving England and New Zealand for the remaining place in the play-off for the medals.
Order of play:
Wednesday: Pool A - Scotland v Australia, South Africa v China, Germany v USA. Pool B - India v England, Korea v Argentina, Holland v New Zealand.
Thursday: - Pool B - England v Holland, Argentina v India, Korea v New Zealand.
Friday: Pool A - Germany v South Africa, USA v Scotland, Australia v China.
Saturday, May 23: Pool B - New Zealand v India, England v Argentina, Holland v Korea.
Sunday, May 24: - Pool A - Australia v USA, China v Germany, South Africa v Scotland.
Monday, May 25: Pool B - England v Korea, Argentina v New Zealand, Holland v India.
Tuesday, May 26: Pool A - Scotland v China, USA v South Africa, Germany v Australia.
Wednesday, May 27: Pool A - China v USA, Australia v South Africa, Scotland v Germany. Pool B - New Zealand v England, India v Korea, Argentina v Holland.
Friday, May 29, Saturday, May 30, Sunday, May 31 - Classification matches.
q Scotland's men fell at the second phase of the qualifying progress at Cagliari, Italy in 1996. Europe is likely to figure prominently with Olympic champions Holland and Germany the main contenders for gold along with holders Pakistan.
Competition in the second of the six team groups is likely to be much more competitive with Australia, Pakistan and Spain likely to be prominent in the battle for the two other semi-final places.
Pool draw:
Pool A - Germany, India, Korea, New Zealand, Holland and Canada.
Pool B - Poland, Australia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Spain and England.
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