Russia, Japan, U.S., Brazil lead way to second round of volley worlds

2010-11-03 23:28:35

OSAKA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Led by unbeaten Russia, Japan, the United States and Brazil, 16 teams have made the next round of the women's volleyball world championships as the group stage concluded Wednesday.

Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Thailand, Peru and Cuba joined defending champions Russia, World Grand Prix title holders the United States, Olympic champions Brazil, as well as the hosts Japan, Italy, Serbia, South Korea, Poland, Germany, China and Turkey who've already confirmed their second round places.

Russia extended their unstoppable winning streak by defeating China 3-0 in Pool D in Osaka Municipal City Gymnasium Wednesday.

The defending champions were faced with quick and powerful attack from Athens Olympic champions China in the first set and did not control it until the last a few minutes. They won the set 25-22.

They almost dominated the next two sets, though confronting stronger attack from their opponents.

Russian coach Kuzyutkin Vladimir commented after the match that his team had acquired the maximum points thanks to effective blocking and attacks.

Hosts Japan finished on top of Pool A after winning the crucial clash with Serbia 28-26, 29-27, 18-25, 27-25. Ace spiker Saori Kimura led the way for Japan with 27 points.

Earlier, Peru booked the fourth and final berth in Pool A after a well-worked 3-1 win over Costa Rica.

"Today we had a clear objective - to win and qualify for the second round," Peru coach Kim Cheol Yong said. "That's why we were a little nervous, but I'm pleased with our result. We know more difficult matches will come in the second round."

In Pool B, World No. 1 team Brazil finished the first round in fine form with five wins after overpowering World Grand Champions Cup title holders and world No. 4 Italy 3-0 in the final match of the group.

"It wasn't a perfect match, but almost," Brazil coach Jose Guimaraes said. "Of course I'm very happy with my team. We did very good work in serving, defence, blocking and counter-attack. "

Netherlands and the Czech Republic confirmed the other two knockout round places with straight-sets victories over Puerto Rico and Kenya respectively.

World No. 2 team, the United States, topped Pool C with five wins after a breath-taking 30-28, 25-23, 22-25, 25-23 win over Cuba, who also advanced to the second round thanks to their superior points ratio.

Also, Thailand advanced despite losing to Germany in straight sets, finishing fourth ahead of Croatia, who beat winless Kazakhstan 3-0, due to a better points ratio.

The championship started with 24 teams and is slated from October 29 to November 14. Top four teams in the four first round pools advanced to the second round.

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