The Second China University Basketball League (CUBA) kicks off on Sunday in Hangzhou of Zhejiang Province.

The number of participating teams in this year's event, which will last to April 2000, has increased from last year's 21 men's and 17 women's teams to this year's 30 men's and 25 women's teams.

The 55 university and college teams will be divided into four competition zones--the northeastern zone in Beijing; southwestern zone in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province; southeastern zone in Hangzhou and southwestern zone in Changsha, Hunan Province.

After last year's event successful league, the organizers, China University Sports Association's basketball committee and the Henghua International Group believe the new season will see more university and college students involved in the competition.