Montreux, June 12, 2011 - Japan saw off Cuba in a straight sets (26-24, 25-18, 25-19) in the final of the 2011 Montreux Volley Masters to pick up their first title while China overcame USA 3-1 (16-25, 25-13, 29-27, 25-23) to seal bronze.
Elsewhere Germany suffered a 3-1 (25-20, 15-25, 25-18, 28-26) to the Netherlands as the picked up fifth place as the annual tournament concluded in Switzerland.
Japan’s win means they gained revenge over their NORCECA rivals after losing to them 3-2 in the pool stages. The final offered a confrontation of two contrasted styles: the Cuban imposing block and powerful offense facing the Japanese technical skills and superb defensive play. The Asian side started slowly and had to save two set balls before pulling back to take the lead. Cuba’s errors then gifted Japan the second set as the crowd tried to urge Cuba on. A kill by Sakoda then concluded the match in the third as the side celebrated a historic win on the shores of Lac Leman.
Meanwhile China defeated the USA for the second time in the tournament on Sunday to finish third. Although the Americans started as favorite for the competition, the situation did not turn to their advantage as they were defeated three times in a row in the tournament. USA began well, dominating their rivals easily to take the lead. But the side could not maintain control as China rallied back in the second. Relying on a smooth attack China won the second set (25-13) before gaining the upper hand in third and fourth to pick up the win.
Earlier in the day, the Netherlands dominated Germany to finish fifth. From the very beginning the confrontation was tight, with the two teams displaying great offensive and defensive play and committing very few errors.
Montreux Volley Masters. Sunday. Rank 5-6: Germany - Netherlands 1-3 (20-25 25-15 18-25 26-28) Final 3-4: China - USA 3-1 (16-25 25-13 29-27 25-23) Final Japan – Cuba 3-0 (26-24 25-18 25-19)
Final ranking of the tournament: 1. Japan 2. Cuba 3. China 4. USA 5. Netherlands 6. Germany 7. Italy and Peru
