Vietnam is in group C with Belgium, the defending runners-up, and Italy.

Chief coach Nguyen Viet Hoa said his players will take part in some warm-up matches before the tournament in Viersen.

Cuong (29th) and Vu (35th) are scheduled to compete in France on February 22.

Vietnam finished ninth in last year’s competition.

Representing Belgium will be Frederic Caudron (seeded No 2) and Eddy Merckx, who ranks sixth in the world.

The tandem Merckx/Caudron, who have been finalists in the Belgian championships for the last two years, are considered to be one of the strongest duos in the world.

Representing Italy will be Emilio Sciacca (44th) and Fabrizio Cortese (221st).

The tournament will also attract teams from Turkey, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Spain.