‘No fear’ – GB Women up for China challenge

Georgia Jones says Great Britain Women are feeling ‘positive’ following the draw for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament groups.

GB face a trip to Foshun in China in February to take on the host country, Spain and Korea.

A place at Tokyo 2020 is at stake with the top three teams going through, along with the best three nations from each of three other groups.

Those other groups take place in Belgium, France and Serbia and GB may have preferred a less taxing trip to one of their European neighbours.

But Jones says they will simply get on with the job as they did when they upset to odds to reach the last four at EuroBasket Women in the summer.

“The overall feeling is one of positivity,” said the Mancunian point guard.

“We know it isn’t going to be easy but nothing we have accomplished as a team so far has been easy, so this is no different.

“It is a chance to prove ourselves all over again – and when you win in difficult circumstances it is so much more enjoyable.

“The group is what it is. There are top teams across all the groups but we are feeling positive.

“We know what the prize at stake is so we will just get on with it again. We’re feeling positive.”

GB went in their group as third seeds and sit one place ahead of fourth seeds Korea in the world rankings in 18th place.

Spain are ranked third in the world and China eighth.

Manchester Mystics player Jones added: “We obviously know Spain well and what their strengths are from the summer and we will prepare well for the other teams.

“We don’t know as much about Korea and China but there won’t be a fear factor.

“It is going into the unknown to a certain extent but we will handle it and try to use it to our advantage.”

GB will play China on February 6, Korea on February 8 and Spain on February 9.