Russia qualify for finals despite shocking loss to Korea
Korea stunned Russia in their opening match on the final preliminary round weekend of the 2011 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix as they sealed a thrilling five-set win but the world champions still clinched qualification to the finals along with Brazil as the premier annual women’s volleyball tournament begins to reach its climax.
Russia picked up the point they needed to move onto Macau, China for the next phase of the tournament and they will join the hosts and Brazil, who saw off Cuba in straight sets to book their tickets.
Meanwhile Italy defeated Peru, USA moved a step closer to defending their title by seeing off Germany, Serbia beat Japan, Thailand won their match against Argentina, Poland swept past Kazakhstan and China claimed victory over Dominican Republic.
Korea coach Kim Hyung-Sil cited Kim Yeon-Koung’s influence on his team as the key to victory on Friday.
"It was hard to overcome Russia's height and power. We were able to win because we played as a team and because we have a strong desire to go to Macau,” he said. “Today, every time there was a crisis, Kim Yeon-Koung got us back into our rhythm. Our team followed her lead and I'm proud of the way she played today."
Saturday’s matches feature: Germany v Pere, Russia v Serbia, Dominican Republic v Poland, Brazil v Argentina, Japan v Korea, Cuba v Thailand, USA v Italy and China v Kazakhstan.
