Cagliari, Italy, September 21, 2010. With another solid performance, this time against Turkey, Russia booked a ticket for the 2011 FIVB World Grand Prix after missing this year’s edition. The girls around Katya Gamova are likely to be joined by Germany and Italy as – with one day still to go – FIVB did announce that a total of three teams stemming from this round robin tournament will qualify for the next Grand Prix.
Russia vs. Turkey 3:1 (24-26, 25-22, 25-23, 28-26)
Russia clipped this afternoon a fourth consecutive match in Cagliari to claim a ticket for the 2011 FIVB World Grand Prix. Even though they ultimately lost the match, the girls from Turkey played an excellent game. Neslihan Darnel scored a total of 38 points (!) but Turkey did also pay the price resulting from many mistakes, 31 in total including 17 from the serving line. This is not something you can afford against such a solid and well prepared Russian team: Ekaterina Gamova (16) and Nataliya Goncharova (15) were the best scorers for the Russian side that could finally celebrate the qualification for the next Grand Prix after missing the 2010 edition.
The Netherlands vs. Bulgaria 0-3 (21-25, 17-25, 22-25)
Bulgaria caused quite a major upset this afternoon at the Pala Rockfeller as the girls of coach Nesic claimed their first match in the tournament with a 3:0 victory on the “Oranjes”. Eva Yaneva topped the count for Bulgaria with 15 points, whereas captain Manon Flier contributed most of the points for Holland (19). Bulgaria’s performance was simply better, with very good figures in attack (44% of efficiency vs. 36% for the Dutch), reception (64% vs. 55%) and also in blocking (10 vs. 6). The Netherlands didn’t repeat their fantastic performance against Italy and are almost out of contention for the second berth at stake to represent Europe at the next FIVB World Grand Prix.
Germany vs. Italy 3:1 (25-22, 16-25, 25-20, 25-22)
Italy lost a second match in a row, this time with Germany, but the hosts are still nevertheless not yet out in their quest for a ticket to the 2011 FIVB World Grand Prix. As the match was still being played, FIVB officially announced that three teams – ant not only two – will advance to next year’s Grand Prix; with Russia and Germany having booked their tickets, Italy still has the chance to qualify via this additional third spot. After a very shake performance against Holland on Sunday, the Italians were only partially back on the right track as they played in presence of CEV President André Meyer accompanied by his Italian counterpart, Dr. Carlo Magri. Coach Barbolini did opt for a different starting six, with Lo Bianco setter, Ortolani opposite, Arrighetti and Gioli as middle blockers, Bosetti and Piccinini as wing spikers and Merlo libero. Jenny Barazza and Chiara Di Iulio are still injured and Antonella Del Core was sitting on the bench but this variation did not help secure the victory.