JAMAICA SUFFERED a major blow hours ahead of their opening match of the men's volleyball World Championship qualifying tournament, when they lost Neil Williams to injury.

During training at the Barbados Community College on Tuesday, Williams suffered severe damage to his mouth in an incident.

The 24-year old hitter had to undergo dental work, and the team feared that he would be ruled out of the five-team tournament.

"It is a devastating blow from the standpoint that Neil has been a regular starter," head coach Philip Greenland, said. "He is the captain of the block, but we train for contingencies, and while we will miss him, I think we have adequate replacements for him."

Williams was also missing on Wednesday night when Jamaica beat Cayman Islands, but the Jamaicans were hopeful he would be back in time to face Barbados and the

Netherlands Antilles.

Williams is one of ten members of the squad that played in the Caribbean Championships here last year, when Jamaica lost in the final to the hosts