Amaya Valdemoro and Spain didn't qualify for the Beijing Games with a silver medal finish at the EuroBasket Women in Italy.

But they'll like their chances of reaching next year's big event following the announcement

		“	For me, the fact of playing the pre-Olympic tournament in Madrid is very important as it's my city and I was born there.	„
		Amaya Valdemoro Spain forward

that the World Olympic Qualifying Tournament for women will be played in Madrid.

Valdemoro, whose sensational efforts earned her MVP honours at the EuroBasket in Chieti, is currently with club side CSKA Moscow doing battle in the EuroLeague Women and the Russian women's Superleague.

But she has one eye on June.

"I can't wait for June to arrive," she said.

"For me, the fact of playing the pre-Olympic tournament in Madrid is very important as it's my city and I was born there. I will have all my family supporting me and my friends which is crucial.

"Another important issue is that we will finally play an official tournament in front of our fans and for me that is going to be the best and to make it all more special. We will play at the Telefonica Arena. I think for women's basketball, it is extremely important."

Spain reached the Athens Olympics with a bronze medal win at the EuroBasket in 2003 and then reached the quarter-finals in Athens.

Despite bowing out with their worst performance in the tournament against Brazil in the last eight, the overall experience in Greece is one Valdemoro and her team-mates treasure.

"We must qualify for the Olympic games regardless of which group we are drawn in," Valdemoro said. "Moreover, we must enjoy it just as the fans will enjoy it."

Five places are up for grabs, but this tournament will be anything but easy.

"Of the 12 possible rivals, the strongest teams are the four European sides as well as the three South American teams," Valdemoro said.

"The Czech Republic, Cuba, Brazil, Latvia and Belarus are very strong but we know that we can't make plans because in sport there are surprises and disappointments.

"The truth is that to go to a second Olympic Games would be an honor, another dream come true and that is why we must give our best and take care during the season to arrive in June at our best.

"It will not be easy to end the season with our clubs and go straight to the national team, but we must be mentally prepared in order to succeed.

"It's important that more than ever the Spanish fans support women's basketball."