With flashes of colour and the beat of drums the world netball championship opened in Singapore, where Australia will defend its title.
Diamonds' captain Natalie von Bertouch arrived on court with the world championship trophy to a loud cheer from the large contingent of Australian fans in the stands.
About 2000 are expected to be in Singapore to cheer their team on.
But there was just as much support for the host country as well as world No.1 side New Zealand as the teams marched on the court.
There are 16 teams in the week-long event, with the grand final to be played next Sunday.
Australia are by far the most successful netball nation, winning the title nine times - the last in Auckland in 2007 when they beat New Zealand in the gold medal match.
The Silver Ferns have been crowned champions four times.
The opening ceremony was a relatively low-key affair, featuring drummers, dancers, dragons, rhythmic gymnasts as well as a young, singing "netballer" a la Nikki Webster from the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Singapore netball captain Jean Ng played a role in the ceremony, telling the performer about value of team-work.
After the official speeches, the first match of the tournament got underway with Singapore playing Botswana.
Australia open their tournament against Samoa on Monday at 3.15pm AEST.
They have three pool games before the quarter-finals on Friday.
