2018 AVC Volleyball Events Calendar

2017/2018 FIVB Beach Volleyball Calendar at the World Tour Council meeting

Highlights of the 2017/2018 FIVB Beach Volleyball Calendar include 5-star Major events in Fort Lauderdale (USA), Gstaad (Switzerland) and Vienna (Austria), culminating in the fourth edition of the Swatch Beach Volleyball FIVB World Tour Finals from August 14 to 19 – venue to be announced at the end of November. A fourth Major event, still to be confirmed, is currently scheduled from May 29 to June 3 in Croatia. 

The calendar also features eleven 4-star events, five 3-star events, five 2-star events and seventeen 1-star events. In addition, Nanjing, China will host the FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championships from June 26- July 1. 

Fixture Link PDF

The new 5-star Vienna Major (July 31-August 5) will welcome teams back to the Austrian capital exactly one year after the hugely successful 2017 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. Players can also look forward to a 4-star event in Tokyo from July 25-29 – the World Tour’s first visit to the Japanese capital – just two years before the Olympic Games take place in the city in 2020.

Four countries will host a World Tour event for the first time, with stops scheduled in Muscat, Oman (March 14-17), Manila, Philippines (May 3-6), Tuan Chau Island, Vietnam (May 9-12) and Singapore (June 21-24). And eight venues will join Vienna and Tokyo in welcoming an event for the first time, including Satun, Thailand (April 8-11), Mersin (May 2-6), Aydin (May 17-20) and Samsun (July 26-29) in Turkey, Huntington Beach, United States (May 2-6), Ostrava, Czech Republic (June 20-24), Jinjiang in China (May 31-June 3) and Kochi in India (August 2-5).

The first four venues on the 2018 calendar - The Hague (Netherlands), Shepparton (Australia), Kish Island (Iran) and Fort Lauderdale (USA) - also hosted events in 2017. They will be joined by other events returning in 2018 in the Netherlands (Aalsmeer – an indoor event), China (Xiamen, Nanjing and Nantong), Malaysia (Langkawi), Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), Monaco, Morocco (Agadir), Portugal (Espinho), Korea (Daegu and Ulsan) and Russia (Moscow). 

Other venues returning to the World Tour in 2018 include Doha in Qatar (March 6-10), Lucerne in Switzerland (May 9-13) and Bangkok in Thailand (May 10-13).

Two more tournaments are scheduled to take place in Yangzhou, China (May 23-27) and Poland (June 27-July 1). More information on these events will be made available in due course. In all, China and Turkey will host the highest number of events in 2018.

VTL 2017 fixture released by TVA

                                                                 FULL FIXTURE

FIVB announces the Volleyball Nations League– a joint project between the FIVB, IMG and 21 national federations

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) today announced the Volleyball Nations League, which is set to begin in 2018. The league will revolutionise volleyball competitions, making it one of the most important events in the history of the sport.

The Volleyball Nations League – a joint project between the FIVB, IMG and 21 national federations – will present volleyball in a way that has never been experienced before, building on the innovative sports presentation on display at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. In both the men’s and women’s leagues, 12 core teams and 4 challenger teams will battle to become Volleyball Nations League champion by playing in a round robin format. With a total of 130 matches throughout the league season, every team will play a minimum of 15 matches and each core nation will host at least one pool, bringing the action closer to fans around the world.

By pushing the boundaries of technology, innovation and digital broadcasting, spectators at home will witness new and diverse angles, showcasing the world class athleticism of each nation’s best players.

For the very first time, the FIVB, in collaboration with IMG, will take complete control of content production, maximising quality and promoting a compelling, on-court narrative, which is easy for fans to engage with and understand.

The FIVB will ensure in-stadium interaction by implementing a new concept called active engagement, where fans are involved in every rally. When there is a fantastic sporting moment, spectators celebrate it by imitating match situations like the Monster Block, which has already been embraced by fans across the globe.

Speaking at the FIVB’s 70th anniversary celebrations in Paris, where the Volleyball Nations League announcement took place, FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça said: 

“This is a pivotal moment in the future of our sport. The Volleyball Nations League is the most important competition in the FIVB’s history and will revolutionise how volleyball is presented; making it more fan-centric and placing our fans, both inside and outside the stadium, at the very heart of the action.

“The FIVB has enjoyed great success over the last 70 years; volleyball has grown to become one of the most popular and widely practised sports in the world. But, we must always look forward and find ways to evolve and innovate as we aim to become the world’s number one family sport. The Volleyball Nations League will help us to achieve our vision and set the standard for athlete and viewer experience.”

Ioris Francini, co-President of WME|IMG, said: “This is a very exciting development for the FIVB and we are delighted to play a pivotal role in the Volleyball Nations League. This unique initiative and format heralds a new era for the sport and will produce an even better experience for all concerned, from the teams and players to fans and viewers watching on various media platforms. 

“Our role in producing live matches, along with distributing the media and digital rights, cements our long-standing relationship with the FIVB, which dates back to 2009. Volleyball has a very bright future.”

In the men’s event, Brazil, Italy, the USA, China, Serbia, France, Argentina, Iran, Poland, Germany, Japan and Russia make up the core teams, while Australia, South Korea, Canada and Bulgaria are the four designated challenger teams. 

For the women’s competition, Brazil, Italy, the USA, China, Serbia, the Netherlands, Thailand, Turkey, South Korea, Germany, Japan and Russia comprise the 12 core nations. Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Poland and Belgium have also been selected as challenger teams.  

The aim of the Volleyball Nations League is to raise the level of the sporting action for fans and provide a world class platform for athletes to compete and grow. Launching a men’s and women’s competition under the same name and format promotes equality in volleyball, while also making it simpler and more engaging to follow.

As well as the Volleyball Nations League, there will also be a secondary, Challenger League, incorporating promotion and relegation to guarantee that volleyball remains the most competitive and engaging, multi-gender sport in the world.

FIVB Women's World Championship JAPAN 2018 (AVC) Qualifiers

Thailand recorded their second win at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship Japan 2018 Asian Qualifiers Pool B at the Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium after pulling off a convincing straight-set 25-17 25-17 25-17 victory over Vietnam on Thursday.

Ajcharaporn was the top scorer of Thailand as she scored a match-high 14 points consisting 12 attacks, 1 block and 1 ace. Captain Pleumjit Thinkaow contributed 11 points from 4 attacks, 4 blocks and 3 aces. Le Thanh Thuy led Vietnam with 11 points including 8 kills. Tran Thi Thanh Thuy added 10 points through her powerful attacks.

Thailand, which powered past young Iran in straight sets in their opener on Wednesday, remained strong in their starting line-up which included superstar spiker Pleumjit Thinkaow and three young talents Chatchu-on Moksri, Pimpichaya Kokram and Ajcharaporn Kongyot. The two towers, 190cm Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and 186cm Bui Thi Nga, were the spearheads of Vietnam in their first match on Thursday, fielding all players who competed in the fifth-placed squad at the Asian Senior Women’s Championship in the Philippines last month.

Thailand set an early pace in the opening set, with Chatchu-on and Ajcharaporn pounding the Vietnamese defence with their fierce attacks for the host side’s wide margin 12-6 lead. As the lead was stretched to 18-12, Thailand replaced setter Pornpun Guedpard and Pimpichaya with two veterans and crowd favourites Nootsara Tomkom and Malika Kanthong. Vietnamese Tran Thi Thanh Thuy used her height advantage to overcome the smaller blockers with her attacks, but not enough to outplay the formidable rivals. Thailand clinched the first set 25-17.

Thailand remained in awesome form in the second set, which they led 11-5, thanks to Pleumjit’s well-placed serves and fast attacks which completely foiled the Vietnamese blocking attempts. Holding a 20-12 advantage, Thailand committed several unforced mistakes, allowing the visitors attacking opportunities to trail 17-20. To improve their fortunes, the host side called a time-out and sent in powerful hitter Wilavan Apinyapong. From then, Thailand turned the tables on the visitors, winning straight five points for the convincing 25-17 win in the set.

Hoping for a better form in the third set, Vietnam led narrowly 9-7 before Thailand put their act together and stormed back mightily for the come-from-behind 25-17 win.

Thailand will have a rest day on Friday and will next take on DPR Korea on Saturday, while Vietnam will go up against DPR Korea on Friday.

Thailand head coach Danai Sriwacharamaytakul commented after the match: “My team’s performance is satisfactory today. However, I must praise Vietnam for their improved receiving. We just focussed on our game strategy in an effort of destroying their defence quickly. I think we still have to improve on our combination attacks. If we have good reception, I believe we can effectively match DPR Korea in our next clash.”

Vietnam head coach Japanese Irisawa Hidehiro was not satisfied with his team’s below-par form. “I’m not happy with the performance of middle-blocker Bui Thi Nga as she did not play well. Her form is a far cry from what she had performed superbly in the previous tournaments. Thailand played well up to their standard and deserved the win. We next take on DPR Korea on Friday and hope we can do our best agains the Koreans.”

China defeated hosts Japan 3-1 (25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 25-16) on the concluding match of the 2017 edition of the Women’s World Grand Champions Cup.

China defeated hosts Japan 3-1 (25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 25-16) on the concluding match of the 2017 edition of the Women’s World Grand Champions Cup.

China captain and superstar Zhu Ting commanded the four-set victory against Japan with 26 points. Zhu finished with a total of 100 points to top the scoring charts with 88 attacks, seven blocks and five aces in the 2017 edition.

China have ended their 16-year title drought and have joined Brazil as the only reigning Olympic champions to win the World Grand Champions Cup. They now hold three global volleyball trophies at the same time – 2017 World Grand Champions Cup, 2016 Olympic Games and the 2015 World Cup.

Brazil edged USA 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-19) to claim the silver medal. The South Americans gained the opportunity with their straight-set win to match the win-loss card of USA and earn the three points that put them ahead of their rivals in the final standing. However, USA’s loss still merited a bronze medal.

Russia, which had three losses in the competition, ended their campaign on a high note as they registered a 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-21) win over Korea to finish fourth overall.

Japan dropped to fifth place after their 3-1 loss to China, while the young Korean side finished in last place.

FINAL RANKINGS
1. China
2. Brazil
3. USA
4. Russia
5. Japan
6. Korea

DREAM TEAM
Most Valuable Player: Zhu Ting (CHN)
Best Outside Spikers: Zhu Ting (CHN), Jordan Larson (USA)
Best Middle Blockers: Ana Carolina Da Silva (BRA), Yuan Xinyue (CHN)
Best Setter: Koyomi Tominaga (JPN)
Best Opposite Spiker: Tandara Caixeta (BRA)
Best Libero: Kotoe Inoue (JPN)

Top Scorer by Day
28 – Tandara Caixeta of Brazil v Russia on September 5
33 – Zhu Ting of China v Brazil on September 6
27 – Nataliya Goncharova of Russia v USA on September 8
22 – Andrea Drews of USA v Japan on September 9
26 – Zhu Ting of China v Japan on September 10

Top Scoring Performances
33 – Zhu Ting of China v Brazil on September 6
28 – Tandara Caixeta of Brazil v Russia on September 5
27 – Nataliya Goncharova of Russia v USA on September 8
26 – Zhu Ting of China v Japan on September 10
22 – Andrea Drews of USA v Japan on September 9

Top Individual Serving Performances
4 – Mariia Frolova of Russia v USA on September 8
4 – Kimberly Hill of USA on September 8
4 – Koyomi Tominaga of Japan v Russia on September 6
4 – Tandara Caixeta of Brazil v Russia on September 5

Top Team Serving Performances
11 – Brazil v Russia on September 5
11 – USA v Russia on September 8
9 – Japan v Russia on September 6

Top Individual Blocking Performances
7 – Irina Filishtinskaia of Russia v Japan on September 6
6 – Erika Araki of Japan v Brazil on September 8
6 – Ana Carolina Da Silva of Brazil v Russia on September 5
5 – Ana Carolina Da Silva of Brazil v China on September 6
5 – Ana Beatriz Correa of Brazil v China on September 6
5 – Ana Beatriz Correa of Brazil v Russia on September 5

Top Team Blocking Performances
18 – Brazil v Russia on September 5
17 – USA v Japan on September 9
17 – Russia v Japan on September 6
16 – Russia v USA on September 8
16 – Brazil v China on September 6

Highest Scoring Sets
28-26 – Japan v USA on September 9
28-26 – Russia v Japan on September 6
27-25 – Brazil v Japan on September 8
26-24 – Japan v China on September 10
26-24 – Japan v Korea on September 5

Highest Scoring Matches
230 – Japan v USA 2-3 (22-25, 25-21, 28-26, 21-25, 12-15) on September 9
211 – Brazil v China 2-3 (20-25, 12-25, 25-20, 25-23, 17-19) on September 6
208 – USA v Russia 3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-21, 15-9) on September 8
181 – China v Japan 3-1 (25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 25-16) on September 10
175 – Russia v Brazil 1-3 (17-25, 25-23, 23-25, 12-25) on September 5

Japan underlined their supremacy over the SMM 19th Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship after an incredible come-from-behind 3-2 (26-28 20-25 25-16 25-16 15-7) victory over Thailand in the final showdown at the Alonte Sports Arena

Japan have already captured the Asian title for three times in 1975 in Melbourne, Australia, 1983 at home in Fukuoka, and 2007 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The Japanese were on cloud nine on Thursday as they sealed their fourth Asian Senior Women’s crown with remarkable unbeaten record aside from helping make Japan a clean sweep of both men’s and women’s events contested this year. The Asian Senior Men’s Championship ended on August 1 in Surabaya, Indonesia, with Japan powering past Kazakhstan in the final clash to reign supreme.

The Thursday’s win stretched the Japan’s invincibility over Thailand to four in a row including two at the recent World Grand Prix. In this top-tier competition earlier, Thailand went down to the same rivals in the top 8 playoff match.

Thailand, which have already won the Asian title twice in 2009 in Hanoi, Vietnam and in 2013 on their home soil in Nakhon Ratchasima, also had their sights firmly set on their third Asian crown, heading the final showdown on high note with a stunning straight-set win over the Incheon Asian Games winners Korea in the semi-finals.

“I’m very happy that we eventually won. It was a very tough match against Thailand. They performed exceptionally well in the first two sets. We tried to read their tactics and play our game. Fortunately, we came back fast in the third set. After winning that set, my players started confidently in the following sets and when Thailand made too many mistakes, we then had a chance. However, despite the victory, I think Thailand are coming very strong this time with their young, potential players,” Japan head coach Kumi Nakada said in an interview through a translator after the awards presentation and closing ceremony.

At the previous Asian meet two years ago, Japan, sending second-string to the top-tier competition, left Tianjin, China with their heads low in disappointment after a sixth-place finish out there.

Earlier, Korea had to be content with the bronze medal after venting out their frustration on dethroned champion China 25-11, 25-18, 25-20. China, defending and 13-time Asian winners, sent a strong squad of young bloods this time, said China head coach Bao Zhuang, because their national players and famous Chinese spikers are preparing for the 13th China National Games later this month.

Korea have never won the Asian title since they made their debut appearance at the inaugural Asian Championship in Melbourne, Australia in 1975. They have entered seven finals, but lost them all. This included the 2015 edition in Tianjin, where they went down to hosts China in the showdown.

“We are disappointed with the loss to Thailand in the semi-finals on Wednesday, but we are happy that we beat China for the bronze medal. Actually, we had a tight schedule before competing in this championship. We contested the World Grand Prix ahead of coming to Manila and there are so many young players in our team. One key player in our team also got a back injury. I think the young players in our team learned a lot from this tournament. After this, we will train more for the World Championship Qualification in Thailand and hope to do our best there,” Kim Yeon Koung said in an interview.

Vietnam maintained their fifth position achieved in Tianjin two years ago after cruising past Chinese Taipei 25-23 25-22 25-23 in the 5th-6th playoff, while Kazakhstan also returned with the similar seventh place they finished in Tianjin. The Kazakh side struggled to beat hosts Philippines in hard-fought five-setter 25-20 25-16 21-25 21-25 15-3 in the 7th-8th playoff encounter.

THURSDAY’S FINAL RESULTS

At the Alonte Sports Arena

Playoffs

7th-8th: Kazakhstan b Philippines 3-2 (25-20 25-16 21-25 21-25 15-3)

5th-6th: Vietnam b Chinese Taipei 3-0 (25-23 25-22 25-23)

Bronze-medal match: Korea b China 3-0 (25-11 25-18 25-20)

Championship match: Japan b Thailand 3-2 (26-28 20-25 25-16 25-16 15-7)

FINAL RANKINGS

1. Japan

2. Thailand

3. Korea

4. China

5. Vietnam

6. Chinese Taipei

7. Kazakhstan

8. Philippines

9. Iran

10. Australia

11. Hong Kong

12. New Zealand

13. Sri Lanka

14. Maldives

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

First Best Outside Spiker: Kim Yeon Koung (Korea No.10)

Second Best Outside Spiker: Chatchu-on Moksri (Thailand No.19)

First Best Middle Blocker: Hattaya Bamrungsuk (Thailand No.7)

Second Best Middle Blocker: Nana Iwasaka (Japan No.3)

Best Opposite Spiker: Jin Ye (China No.9)

Best Setter: Nootsara Tomkom (Thailand No.13)

First Best Libero: Mako Kobata (Japan No.29)

Second Best Libero: Dawn Nicole Macandili (Philippines No.15)

Most Valuable Player: Risa Shinnabe (Japan No.4)