Summer Youth Olympics, Singapore: Recap of boys U-18 Volleyball Tournament 2010
The exciting volleyball activity for the boys under the age of 18 staged an array of entertainment for fans at Summer Youth Olympics, Singapore. The event dated from August 21 to August 26, 2010 and completed its life yesterday.
Six teams hit the courts of Toa Payoh Sports arena and battled out in a unique style. There was no telling in the beginning as tournament started but the situation gradually became clearer, when top teams climbed up the horizon.
Russia, Serbia and DR Congo were placed in group A while rest of the three teams (Cuba, Argentina and Iran) held their spots in Group B. The tournament was a blend of mixed sensation; it was a ball of time for winners but remorse and frustration was seen at different occasions. On the whole it was the most enjoyable volleyball action for both, the players and the followers. At the end of sixth-day in the tournament Cuba was declared the Champion and they seized the gold medal.
Preliminary Round – Group A
Serbia opened the tournament by taking on DR Congo in the preliminary round. The game lasted for four sets in which Serbia took the lead and posted a 3-1(25-15, 25-18, 22-25, and 25-21) victory over competitor side. In the second match, the victorious Serbian team clashed with the Russia squad. The scenario was totally changed and results of the first game were reversed on Serbia. They lost to Russia in plain three sets and received 0-3 (17-25, 20-25, and 12-25) defeat.
The Russian team taught a lesson to Serbia and rushed to extend their winning streak by defeating DR Congo in their second match. DR Congo was a minor threat for Russians and they easily kicked them out via 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, and 25-13) win.
Russia and Serbia qualified for the semi-finals while DR Congo was pushed behind.
Preliminary Round – Group B
Following the same pattern, Group B teams came together for the qualifying round. Argentina broke the ice and played the first match with Iran on the first day. Argentineans ousted Iran’s team by smashing a 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, and 29-27) victory. Iran competed well but couldn’t deliver a match-winning performance. Argentina faced the same level of frustration in 2nd match as Serbia did in Group A. The team collided with heavy Cuban side who clean-swept the Argentineans in three sets. Cuba settled for a score of 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, and 25-23).
The final encounter of preliminary round saw Cuba and Iran together in the court. The Cuban team made their mark with an outstanding performance. Cuba lost the first set but achieved success in the final three sets to claim match-victory.
Cuba and Argentina qualified for semi-finals in Group B, while Iran was put up with DR Congo of Group A.
Semi-Finals
In the first semi-final Argentina crushed Russia. Apparently Russia had better record in the tournament but oddly enough they failed to raise their head before Argentineans. Russia lost the semi-final after receiving 0-3 (10-25, 16-25, and 19-25) defeat.
Cuba took on Serbia in the 2nd semi-final and clinched victory in straight three sets. Serbian team fought well and engaged Cuba’s team in a close fight. Cuba scored 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, and 25-22).
Argentina and Cuba paved their way to the final match of the tournament.
Final Showdown
In the crucial final match of YOG Volleyball Tournament, Cuba combated with Argentina. Cuba reached the final stage on account of absolute success in previous matches and seemed resolved to capture the gold-medal. Cuban team confirmed their authority over Argentina by achieving 3-1 (25-23, 25-21, 17-25, and 25-20) victory. Cuba took away the gold and Argentina grabbed silverware.
Russia dismissed Serbia in bronze medal match and Iran finished at 5th-place by defeating DR Congo.
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