2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix:Brazil annihilated the European champions Russia in convincing straight sets 25-22 25-10 25-21 to storm their ways to the semi-finals of the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals

Bangkok, Thailand, July 7, 2016 – Defending Olympic champions Brazil annihilated the European champions Russia in convincing straight sets 25-22 25-10 25-21 to storm their ways to the semi-finals of the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals at the Indoor Stadium Hua Mark on Thursday.

Sheilla Castro remained a point collector for Brazil to be reckoned with as the veteran attacker top scored with 14 points for the team, all of them through sharp spikes. Natalia Goncharova led Russia with 12 point consisting of 10 kills from 31 attempts and two stuff blocks. 

Both Brazil and Russia started up in full strength in the opening set to trade points from the beginning. However, the Brazil’s solid blocks from Thaisa Menezes and Natalia Pereira worked out pretty well as Brazil sealed the first-set win 25-22.

Holding a 1-0 advantage, Brazil continued their brilliant run in the second set, while the Russians became more prone with hasty unforced mistakes. Brazil took the completely one-sided set 25-10 to stretch it to 2-0.

Russia put their acts together in the third set, hoping to revive their fortunes. They chased from trailing 14-18 to narrow the margin 19-22. However, as Brazil were leading 24-21, Sheila Castrol overpowered the taller blockers with her exceptional spike to help the team win 25-21 and match.

Following the scintillating win over Russia, world No.3 Brazil, which the previous day outclassed hosts Thailand in straight sets, had six points from two straight wins to assure them a semi-final berth at the Bangkok Finals.

Russia on Friday play a must-win match against Thailand. A loss to the host side means a drop from the semi-finals and instead contest the fifth-sixth place playoff.

After the match, Russia captain Kosianenko Ekaterina said, “We are very disappointed with our today’s performance. We didn’t play well as expected. Brazil played very well while we made so many mistakes. We will try to play better for the next match against Thailand.”

Russia coach Yury Marichev commented: “We didn’t play according to our game plan today. We will go back to prepare for the next match against Thailand. I think it’s going to be tough to play against them in front of packed home crowd.”

Brazil captain Claudino Fabiana said, “We had a good preparation for this match. We used a lot of power as we and Russia have the similar tactics and size.”

Brazil coach Jose Roberto Lages Guimaraes added, “We really played a good match. Now we are in the first of the group. We are waiting for the next game as we don’t know whom we will play with. It can be Netherlands, China or USA.”

2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix : World champions USA drubbed Netherlands 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-23)

Bangkok, Thailand, July 6, 2016 – World champions USA had a great final six kick-off and are on course for their title defence, as they drubbed the Netherlands 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-23) in the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals at the Indoor Stadium Hua Mark on Wednesday.

Foluke Akinradewo scored a match-high 16 points for the USA, while Lonneke Sloetjes tallied 15 points for the Netherlands.

USA started off strong with a formidable starting line-up, which comprised Alisha Glass, Jordan Larson-Burbach, Kelly Murphy and Akinradewo, while the Netherlands were led by the hard-hitting Sloetjes and Anne Bujis. After taking a commanding 12-8 lead, USA maintained their lead at 18-14. Sloetjes showed her scoring prowess to score three points in a row to cut down the USA lead to 18-17. The Netherlands managed to level the score at 19-all, but the USA played clutch and took the opening set 25-21.

The Netherlands came up with a stronger performance in the second set to lead 5-1, but they were not able to sustain their momentum as USA started to deliver the points, with Akinradewo’s quick spikes and their solid triple blocks. USA deadlocked at 16-all and their exceptional teamwork helped them score six straight points to snatch the lead 22-16. USA only allowed the Netherlands to score one point before Larson’s effective drop ended the set in their favour 25-17.

The Netherlands made a last ditch effort in the third set, as they came all out and challenged USA in each rally. USA held a slim lead at 24-22, but Sloetjes managed to save another point for the Netherlands, as her spike penetrated the tight USA defence. Akinradewo handed USA the final point on an attack to complete the sweep 25-23.

2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix:Reigning Olympic champions Brazil powered past hosts Thailand in straight sets 26-24, 25-16, 25-11

Bangkok, Thailand, July 6, 2016 – Reigning Olympic champions Brazil powered past hosts Thailand in straight sets 26-24, 25-16, 25-11 in the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix at Indoor Stadium Huamark on Wednesday.

Natalia Pereira delivered 23 points including 20 powerful attacks, two blocks and a service ace to help the South American side gain edge in the final round of the tournament. Ajcharaporn Kongyot led Thailand with 14 points.

Brazil have proven to be a cut above their Asian rivals as they outclassed them in all scoring categories. Brazil outscored Thailand in attacks 47-32, in blocks 11-1, and in service aces 5-1.

The host team, led by Onuma Sittirak and Pleumjit Thinkaow, delighted their supporters by showing top form in the opening set. Brazil matched the hosts’ intensity by fielding in their seasoned players. Thaisa Menezes’ spectacular presence in the middle and Sheilla’s fierce spikes put Brazil ahead at 19-16. Thailand bounced back, to the delight of their fans, as they levelled at 22-all. Brazil showed more focus in the end as they clutched the first set win 26-24.

Brazil took control of the second and third sets as Pereira overwhelmed the Thai blockers with her aggressive spikes. Brazil took an easy 25-16 win in the second frame, then showed a much stronger performance in the third set, as Thailand struggled to break their opponents momentum. Brazil commanded a 23-11 lead, then Gabriela Braga Guimaraes secured the match sweep with two attack winners 25-11.

2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals:Brazil, European champions Russia and hosts Thailand are in Pool J, with world champions and title-holders USA, World Cup champions and European silver medallists the Netherlands in Pool K.

Bangkok, Thailand, July 5, 2016 – Enthusiasm and excitement loom in the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok on Tuesday when head coaches and captains of all six participating teams gathered at the press conference in front of a large number of media persons to comment about their teams’ prospects at the Bangkok Finals between July 6 to 10.

Brazil
Head coach Jose Roberto Lages Guimaraes: “It’s great to be in the Finals. Every team here is very strong. It must be a very competitive competition. We have trained well in preparation for the Finals and we will try our best here.”

Captain Fabiana Claudino: “I’m very glad that my team have a chance to compete in the Finals. I wish my team the best result out here. We will do our best.”

China
Head coach An Jiajie: “We are very glad to compete in the Finals. Hosts Thailand gave us a very warm welcome. We are ready to fight for the best here.”

Captain Hui Ruoqi: “I’m really glad that my team are in the Finals here. Thailand played an excellent host and we feel like at home.”

The Netherlands
Head coach Giovanni Guidetti: “I’m glad that my team are here in the Finals against the world’s strong teams. It’s great to have a chance to play the world’s best teams. We will try to do our best and for each match, we will come up with our best effort one at a time.”
Captain Maret Balkestein-Grothues: “It must be a very tough challenge out here. Every team is very, very strong, especially the USA, which captured the top spot at the end of the preliminary round.”

Russia
Head coach Yuri Marichev: “We will try to do our best here. We have trained intensively in Japan ahead of arrival here. I hope that my players will do their best.”
Captain Ekaterina Kosianenko: “It will be a daunting challenge. Every team is very strong. We just concentrate on each game we play and absolutely, we will do our best.”

Thailand
Head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai: “Every team in the Finals is very, very strong. All participating teams have already qualified for the Rio Olympic Games. We will play according to our game plan and system. Furthermore, we will play with sportsmanship and spirit. I wish my team a success on home matches.”
Captain Pleumjit Thinkaow: “I’m very glad that Thailand stand a chance to host one of the world’s biggest women’s tournaments. We then can learn from the world’s top teams and obtain valuable experience. We will try our best in front of home supporters.”

USA
Head coach Karch Kiraly: “I would like to thank the Thailand Volleyball Association to host the world’s volleyball showcase. We now compete in the World Grand Prix Finals and therefore, every team is very, very strong. It’s great for sport and also great for spectators.
Captain Christa Harmotto Dietzen: “It’s very exciting. Thailand made a wonderful job welcoming each team. It’s a great challenge of the world’s top teams competing together ahead of the Rio Olympic Games. I wish our team a success in the Finals.”

The 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals are due to take place at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium from July 6 to 10. Defending two-time Olympic champions Brazil, European champions Russia and hosts Thailand are in Pool J, with world champions and title-holders USA, World Cup champions and European silver medallists the Netherlands in Pool K.

The group round-robin contest kicks off on Wednesday, with the USA taking on the Netherlands at 3pm Bkk time and world No.13 Thailand challenge Brazil in the second encounter at 6pm. Channel 3 will televise the Thai match live.

Only top two teams from each pool will play the cross semi-finals on July 9, with the two winning teams battling it out for the eventual crown.