An incredible atmosphere in the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium as Japan takes on Korea on day one of the FIVB Women's World Grand Champions Cup in Japan | Tokyo, Japan, November 10, 2009 – The two favourites Brazil and Italy were joined by hosts Japan in being successful on the opening day of the FIVB 2009 Women’s World Grand Champions Cup on Tuesday. Italy overcame a brave Thailand 3-0 (27-25, 25-22, 25-22), Brazil beat the Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-17) while Japan pulled off an astonishing come from behind victory over Korea 3-1 (22-25, 27-25, 25-16, 25-10).
The impressive Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium was a sea of colour and atmosphere on the opening day of this quadrennial event with the champions from each continent in hot form while Japan won the battle of the hosts against the wildcard.
Italy beat Thailand 3-0 (27-25, 25-22, 25-22)
European champions Italy overcame a game Thailand in the first match of the tournament, with the world number five finding life not as easy as expected against the Asian champions. Thailand coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai wanted that his team show plenty of spirit in their first match, and they did just that, coming from 15-10 and 19-14 down to lead 23-20 in the first set. Onuma Sittirak displayed some awesome defending before some of the Italian older heads, Jenny Barazza and Francesca Piccinini, stood up to be counted not only in the first set but the rest of the match. "I’m very happy because we started with a victory in this tournament but we knew that it wouldn't be easy to play against Thailand,” Italian coach Massimo Barbolini said.
Brazil beat the Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-17)
The second match of the day mirrored the first with Brazil recovering from a slow start to beat a courageous Dominican Republic side. The NORCECA champions took a 19-12 lead as Prisilla Rivera led the Dominicans while Brazil struggled to get into the game, before the defending champions and world number one soon showed the great tenacity, which we have become accustomed to with blocks by Sheilla Castro, Danielle Lins and Marianne Steinbrecher turning the game around. At 19-19, the Dominicans held on to 22-22, but three strong spikes by Natalia Pereira clinched the set for Brazil and set the course for the rest of the match. “From 19-12 we did a better job, we blocked well and our service went well, and that changed the flow of the match." Brazilian coach Jose Robe Guimaraes said.
Japan beat Korea 3-1 (22-25, 27-25, 25-16, 25-10)
In the last match of the day, Japan showed great character to come from one set down to claim a well deserved victory against their neighbours Korea in what was undoubtedly the match of the day. Outstanding displays of agility and determination featured constantly throughout the match as both teams provided an outstanding spectacle of Volleyball for the adoring fans. Despite the final score line both sides could walk off the court holding their heads high after setting the tone for the rest of the tournament with a match which will be fondly remembered by all.
Agenda for Day Two: Thailand v Dominican Republic (1.30pm), Italy v Korea (3.30pm), Japan v Brazil (7pm)
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