PetroVietnam Oil Corporation (PV Oil) has become the key sponsor for the 2009 National Volleyball Championship, the Vietnam Volleyball Federation officially announced on March 18.

The event will see the participation of twelve qualified men’s and women’s teams, who are divided into two groups (A and B) to compete in two stages on a round robin basis.

In the first leg from March 21-28, the northern province of Pho Tho will host Group A matches, while the central province of Ha Tinh will provide the venue for Group B. Winners of the two groups will compete for the Hung Vuong Cup in Phu Tho from April 2-5.

The second leg will take place in Ho Chi Minh City from July 11-26.

The annual volleyball championship aims to select talent for the national team and help to improve professional skills and tactics for local athletes.

VietNamNet/VOV