Macao, China, August 24, 2011 - Eight-time title winners Brazil, defending event champions the United States, Russia and Serbia claimed opening victories in the final round of the 2011 FIVB World Grand Prix kicking off here on Wednesday.
Finishing top of the preliminary rounds with an unbeaten 9-0 record, the Brazilian women clean swept former world champions Italy 3-0 in Group B where the United States beat Japan in straight sets. In Group A, Russia held off Thailand 3-1 while World Grand Prix newcomers Serbia twice rallied from one set down to edge China in a five-set thriller.
Towering middle blocker Thaisa Menezes of Brazil notched up 17 points and Sheilla Castro and Fabiana Claudino added 13 and 12 respectively as the World No. 1 team trounced Italy 25-16, 25-17 and 25-17.
"I am very happy with my team. We played very well," said Brazil coach José Roberto Guimarães. "Our serves, blocks and defense did a very good job. Tomorrow we have a hard match against Japan. Every day we have one final, and we have to play better and better."
Brazil capitalized on their middle hitting early on as they well-placed attacks dislodged the Italians to set-up their floor defense. It was then followed by a bombardment of attacks from the wings, which the Italians failed to stop.
The Italians made adjustments on their attack strategy and were successful in their attempts to cut down the Brazilian lead to just three points after the first TTO. However, Thaisa Menezes and Fabiana Claudino combined efforts to oppose this upswing from the Italian team and quickly brought back Brazil in the match and have total control of the first set.
Simona Gioli steered Italy to get back in the match but Brazil seem to have all the answers to the Italian offense. Brazil found seams on the Italian court and hit on these areas with ease. Sheilla Castro joined Fabiana and Thaisa in the Brazilian attacking spree racking in points for Brazil on her spectacular hits from the opposite side in the second set.
Brazil continued with their excellent blocking and middle hitting game in the last set which was the key to their straight sets win. Brazil’s impenetrable backcourt defense allowed them to set up their play and retaliate against the Italians.
“First of all congratulations to Brazil, today they have given us a lesson on volleyball,” said Italy coach Massimo Barbolini. “We must think about what we need to do next.”
Earlier on Wednesday, USA did all the right things offensively and defensively to see off Japan 25-22, 25-17 and 25-23 in the opening match of final round. Destinee Hooker led the Americans with 19 points after converting on 16 of her 29 attacking attempts with Jordan Larson produced four aces to add a total of 13 points.
"I like the way USA team played today, I thought we came out and played with good energy," said USA coach Hugh McCutcheon. "In terms of the service line, we were strong so that was good. Japan is always a challenging opponent because of the speed in which they play and the way they battle which is the case today so they are a good team and we are very happy to win over such a very strong opponent."
The Japanese were led by Saori Kimura, who managed 11 kills on 32 tries for team high 12 points.
"We played with last year’s champion and we lost a lot of points in their jump serving, so that was very difficult for us," said Japan coach Masayoshi Manabe.
Reigning world champions Russia held off a late surge of Thailand to score an opening 25-18, 25-22, 25-27, 25-17 victory in the eight-team final round. Evgeniya Startseva had 21 smashes, 4 blocks and an ace to contribute 26 points for Russia with Nataliya Goncharova and Lesya Makhno adding 20 and 18 respectively.
Despite the victory, Russia coach Vladimir Kuzyutkin believed her side still had a lot to improve.
“This match shows there are problems in our game,” he said. “Congratulations to the Thailand coach for the good match and for putting up a good fight. I am sure they will continue to fight in the remaining matches just like today.”
Sittirak Onuma spearheaded the Thais with 21 points.
In the last match of the day, the Serbian women rallied past the hosts China 20-25, 25-18, 23-25, 25-16 and 18-16 for a good start in their first journey to World Grand Prix final round.
Jovana Brakocevic was Serbia’s top scorer with 22 points while Yang Junjing led the Chinese with 21 points. The Serbian team reaped 17 points from blocking, compared with six for China.
After three days of pool play, top two finishers from each group will advance to Saturday’s semi-finals.
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