Hosts Russia celebrate after their important win against 2007 European champions Italy at the European World Grand Prix qualifier in Omsk, Russia | Omsk, Russia, September 18, 2008 - On Day 3 of the European World Grand Prix qualifier in the Siberian city of Omsk, hosts Russia and Germany claimed important victories. The Netherlands continued their string of success, overpowering France in straight sets.
In the day's matches at SKK im Blinova sports hall in Omsk, Germany overpowered Serbia 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 25-21) and hosts Russia downed 2007 European champions Italy in front of 3,750 delighted spectators 3-2 (25-20, 25-18, 20-25, 26-28, 12-15). Netherlands outclassed France 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-18).
In the last match of the day between hosts Russia and 2007 European champions Italy, the Azzurre were in a lower league compared to a mightier Russian team, losing the first two sets 20-25 and 18-25. Natalya Safronova (10 points) and Ekaterina Gamova (9) both put a lot of pressure on their opponent’s defense. Italy, with setter Giulia Pincerato replacing Francesca Ferretti, however, raised their game in the third period, scoring 25 winners, with Lucia Bosetti and Serena Ortolani firing in from every corner on the court.
After winning 25-20, Italy were still keeping a high momentum and, on the back of their strong block, the team comfortably led 8-2 at the first technical time out of set No. 4. On the resumption, the hosts were still in serious trouble, watching their challengers reel off the next three points for an 11-2 cushion. Even when the Russians bounced back strongly, having two match points at 24-22 and one at 25-24, Italy finished the set 28-26, forcing the match to a tie-break.
But the Russians renewed their offence and were more successful, with Italy unable to repeat their winning run. Italy committed errors towards the end as Gamova and Safranova took advantage, Russia finally closing out the match 15-12.
“As I explained yesterday, my team is not ready," said Russian Head Coach Vadim Pankow. “Even when we won today. Yesterday we played one good set, today two. But we still need a lot work to improve our game.”
Italian Head Coach Massimo Barbolini said, “The Italians did not exist in the first two sets. There’s still a small chance to qualify, but it will be very very difficult after today’s defeat.”
In a hard fought first set between Serbia and Germany, scores were tied at 22-22 before Serbian's Jovana Brakocevic sent the ball wide and the Germans took the set (25-22). A completely wrong line-up forced Serbian Head Coach Zoran Terzic to change three players early in the second set. Captain Jelena Nikolic took over as a middle blocker and Ivana Derisilo-Stankovic came in on position 4. However, the Germans players seemed to be confused about such strange transactions and Serbia regained the lead (12-4). The Germans bounced back to 16-20, it was too late (20-25).
The Serbians shot out to a 6-2 lead in the third set before several ball-handling and attacking errors allowed the Germans to close the gap. The set was now balanced on a knife edge (from 7-7 to 19-19). The 17-year-old Saskia Hippe brought up set point with a blistering winner from the right; and Brinker closed it out at 25-23.
Exceptional setter Maja Ognjenovic was the catalyst for the Serbians' comeback in the fourth set, sparking the East Europeans to a 14-11 lead. But it was not good enough. Germany fired back wildly, and then dominated the last points with a 25-21 set win.
Saskia Hippe was the standout for Germany with 23 kills.
“We already played an almost perfect match yesterday against Russia," said German Head Coach Giovanni Guidetti, “but today’s performance was even better. I’m really proud of my players.”
In the first match of the day between France and the Netherlands, the Oranjes scored five points on blocks to take the first set 25-18. It started as a test of strength and agility but as the game progressed, the Dutch shut down France's hitters.
The French service reception was more settled at the start of the second set and even when they got blocked, they managed to get the ball back in play for another chance to attack. Alexia Djilali and Captain Séverine Lienhard kept France's offence going until 16-13, but again a series of mistakes dashed the French hopes of their first set win (21-25).
France fought to keep the third set closer but any hope of a comeback ended with Manon Flier serving powerfully for a 16-9 Dutch lead. Debby Stam scored the last point on an attack hit that wrapped-up the match at 25-18.
The tournament will have a rest day on Friday, before the last competition days on Saturday and Sunday.
There will be 12 participating teams next year in the World Grand Prix with the tournament scheduled for a four-week period in July and August. The Preliminary Rounds are set for July 31 to August 16, including a stop in Brazil for the first time, and the Final Round from August 19-23 in Tokyo, Japan.
The top three European teams at the end of the round robin here in Omsk will automatically get a ticket for next year’s competition. Japan, China, Brazil, USA, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Poland (wild card) are the teams already qualified. Two other places will be decided at the Asian Women’s Cup Volleyball Championship from October 1-7 |
