Volleyball Update: Giving way to China! Host nation captures the 2nd spot in current ranking of FIVB Grand Prix 2010.
The People’s Republic of China has been the major host of great volleyball expedition, the 18th FIVB Grand Prix 2010. In the first three weeks, the volleyball travelled to nine different cities including three main cities of China. The preliminary rounds ended on 22nd of August and tournament entered the final stage. The fourth-round matches are solely being hosted in Ningbo, China.
The host nation also became a part of the activity with a wonderful team and thousands of fans. Chinese National Women Volleyball team staged a thrilling performance in front of local and international fans and finished the preliminary-phase with 19 points. They advanced to the final round along with five top teams of the tournament. China lost three matches in opening rounds and captured the sixth spot in genuine ratings of FIVB Grand Prix 2010.
Italy vs. China
Following the set pattern of the championship, they appeared in three matches of final round in first three days. Unfortunately, they lost their first match against Italy but entertained the fans with incredible play in the second and third match of the final round.
Italy is often referred as a stunner as they have achieved up-set wins against the best teams in the squad. In the first week, Italy outplayed defending champion Brazil and created frenzy in the game. China’s team was given a task to tackle the Italians in the first match and it was their first meeting in the entire tournament. Italy presumably did the same and detracted China with a 0-3 defeat. The host team had to suffer frustration in front of scores of devotees. Italy outplayed Chinese in three straight sets and posted 25-20, 25-16, and 25-21.
China vs. Japan
China recovered from the shock of early defeat in the final round by claiming victory over Japan in the second-day matches. The match comprised of four sets and involved both teams in a handy competition. The first two sets were full of rage and thunder. China struggled with powerful shots and attained 29-27 victory in the first set, while Japan got them under-hand with 25-23 success in second set. With the start of third set, China stormed the Japanese court with continuous spikes and won the set with a margin of 5 points. Final set couldn’t bring any good for Japan and they accepted defeat as a result of 25-19 on the block. China earned three points for match-victory against Japan.
Poland vs. China
On the third successive day of final round, China clashed with Poland which earned 21 points in the preliminary round. Seemingly, Polish team was stronger but Chinese accepted the challenge. China maintained a balance in the game and launched their authority on Polish team. The uproar of fans filled the host team with the spirit of victory. They played very sensible game and built a momentum to score points. China posted 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, and 25-17) victory over Polish team. With this particular win, China climbed up in the rating and settled for second spot with 6 points. The U.S. team is currently placed at the top position.
China has tougher competitions ahead in the tournament. The top two teams from Brazil and United States will take on China. United States is scheduled to play against China on 28th August. The American team hasn’t lost any match in the final round and they are tipped to get their hand on the final victory. Likewise, the defending champion Brazil will strike with China in the last match of the final round. China has the opportunity to write history by winning these two matches.
All the best!
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