Ningbo is set to host the final round of action at 2012 FIVB World Grand Prix
After successfully serving as the host of final round of 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix, the Chinese City of Ningbo is once again ready to deliver a great service to the Final Round qualifiers of FIVB Grand Prix in coming June.
The Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) has selected Ningbo to host the final round matches of 2012 edition of the tournament. The beautiful city of Ningbo is situated to the west of the Pacific Ocean.
It is in the mid-coastline of mainland China and meets three sides of the sea. On North side, it has Hangzhou Gulf, while Xiangshan Harbour is located to the south and Yinzhou District to the west.
Men’s premier international volleyball event, the FIVB World Grand Prix is scheduled to take centre stage on June 8 with 16 best teams from all around the world. Germany, Italy, Poland, Serbia, Brazil, USA, Argentina, Turkey, China, South Korea, Thailand,
Dominican Republic, Cuba, Italy, and Puerto Rico are confirmed for the 2012 FIVB Grand Prix. However, only one team from Kenya or Chinese Taipei will earn qualification for the tournament.
The initial phase of the tournament will be hosted by 10 different countries in various parts of the world, while the final crucial round will be staged in Ningbo from June 27 to July 1. Overall, the event will cover its length in four weeks in the same
format as 2011.
Out of 16, only the best teams will get the chance to play in Ningbo. The points will be calculated at the end of Preliminary Round in third week and top five ranked teams will join hosts China in the Final leg of the 2012 FIVB Grand Prix.
Hence, the Final Round will be played with six teams, where they will be split into two pools of three teams. Furthermore, two top teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners reaching the final showdown while the losers would play
for third position.
In the previous two editions of the FIVB Grand Prix, American Men’s National Volleyball Squad launched authority over the other participants of the competition. They bagged two consecutive gold medal wins, while beating Brazil in both editions. Italy and
Serbia finished third in respective tournaments.
China has had the opportunity to host last six editions of FIVB World Grand Prix in different years, while Chinese team secured one gold medal in 2003. China has passionate fan following, who would like to see their team holding the title trophy once again.
Being the host nation, China is already in the Final Round and the hosts should cash the opportunity.
The competitive edge of playing under familiar conditions and emotional support of fans is likely to entice Chinese team to vie for the top position in tournament. However, they will be required to put body, mind, and soul together, in order to live up their
dreams.
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