Pool-toppers of first week at the 2011 FIVB Grand Prix – Volleyball update
Women’s premier international volleyball event, the 2011 FIVB Grand Prix, started off last week with sixteen of the best teams of the world. The teams were initially split into four pools and the tournament was opened with the preliminary round-robin. The
opening leg of the tournament completed its run from August 5-7 and each team played three matches. At the end of the first week, Russia, Brazil, Italy and USA settled for top-positions in their related groups.
Russia – Pool B
Two-time world champions Russia, is the top team of the tournament so far. They were joined by teams from Thailand, Cuba, and Peru in Pool B of the preliminaries. The Russian team entered the competition with a fine set of players, who enjoyed a top form.
The Russian squad was first challenged by Cuba on the opening day. Caribbean team from Cuba could succeed in only set but lost rest of the three sets. Russia clinched success and earned three points from the victory.
In the second match, Peru was clean-swept by the pumped-up Russians. Peruvian team failed to make any impression on the rival side and accepted defeat in three straight set. Another three points were awarded to Russia.
Russian ladies exhibited a spectacular performance against Thailand in the last match of the first week. Thailand was also the host of the Pool B matches but home team couldn’t profit any advantage. Match ended in straight sets and Russia walked away with
three points. Russia climbed up to the top-position in pool after compiling nine points.
Brazil – Pool C
Powerhouse Brazil comes in the second spot with a slight margin of points from Russia. The South American team is staying in close competition with Russia in the points’ race. Team Brazil remained undefeated and finished the first week with nine points in
hand. They defeated Japan with a score of 3-0 in the first match, grabbed success against Germany in the second match, and held off Korea for 3-0 victory in third match. Like Russia, they dropped only one set in three days and got hold of the top position
in Pool-ranking.
Italy – Pool A
From Pool A of 2011 FIVB Grand Prix Prelims, Italy emerged as the top team. The Italians rose up after beating pool members: Argentina, Dominican Republic, and Poland. Team Italy defeated Dominican Republic, Argentina, and Poland, respectively and scored
9 points in the opening week.
USA – Pool D
Defending champions USA was grouped with Serbia, China, and Kazakhstan in Pool D. The determined American squad was featured in a five-set thriller with Serbia in the first match. It was pretty tough but the last whistle of the referee was blown for U.S.
team. As a result, two points were awarded to the winning team. In the following two matches, U.S. team swept opponents’ feet with straight set wins.
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