BOULDER, Colorado -- The first leg of the Russian Cup began on Tuesday, with Moscow playing host to the West Division teams in Group I, and Kemerovo hosting Group II.
The tournament is a round robin that lasts until September 16. The top six teams in each group will then move on to the second round. The 7th-11th place finishers from round 1 will then play anther round robin tournament in two groups of five teams; the first- and second-place finishers in each group will continue on to the second round, bringing the total field to 16 teams. For round 2, the 16 teams are divided into four groups, and again they play a round robin tournament. Finally, the first- and second-place finishers in each group of the second round move on to the single-elimination finals, to be held in Moscow November 3-5.
This upcoming season, the citizens of Orenburg will not be able to see their team, Lokomotiv, take part in the Cup or play in the top league, as their last place finish relegated them to the lower division. Their place in the West Division will be taken by Zorky-2, Zorky Krasnogorsk's alternate squad.
AMNGR-Murman Murmansk has decided not to participate in the Russian Cup, citing financial difficulties, and there is some question as to whether the club will be able to play in the top league this season, meaning Group I will consist of only 10 teams.
Editor's Note: The added or corrected portions are in bold. It was originally reported that the top eight teams from each division will reach the second round of the Russian Cup.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
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