Macao, China, 4 August 2013 – China remained undefeated after the first weekend of this year’s FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix as they defeated the Netherlands, while Bulgaria continued their impressive debut in the tournament with a win against Cuba.
In the first match of the final day of Pool D in Macao, Bulgaria looked to extend the momentum that they gained from yesterday’s win over the Netherlands, while Cuba seek their first win of this year’s campaign. Bulgaria started the game strongly with a display of aggressive spikes and tough blocks, and raced to win the first set in just 15 minutes. Cuba came out with more determination in the second and third sets, responding with some excellent serves and spikes. However, Bulgaria’s consistent play and steady offense propelled them to a straight-set win (25-8, 25-15, 25-16) over the Cubans.
Host China then saw off the challenge from the Netherlands with a 3-1 win (26-24, 19-25, 25-17, 25-17). Both teams went neck and neck in the first set until late in the set, when Zhu Ting and Wang Yimei’s hammering spikes gave China a one set lead. Another thrilling encounter emerged in the second set and this time is the Netherlands who finished the set strongly to even the match. However, hopes of an amazing comeback by the Netherlands were thwarted as China regained control in the third set with more consistent attacking performance from Zhu and powerful serves by Wang. With the match all but won, China coach Lang Ping introduced some new players to the match in the fourth set and despite a late rally by the opponents, China capped a perfect weekend by finishing the match in four sets.
The final standings of Pool D are: 1st place, China; 2nd place, Bulgaria; 3rd place, the Netherlands; 4th place, Cuba.
The four participating teams are heading in separate ways after their encounters in Macao. Cuba are travelling to Ekaterinburg to take on host Russia, Italy and Thailand. The Netherlands will take on Serbia, USA and Algeria in Belgrade. Bulgaria are taking the long journey from the Far East to Central America to play against Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, while China will look to continue their winning ways as they play Turkey, Argentina and the Czech Republic in Hong Kong.
