Today (10/9/2017) the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Grand Champions Cup has come to an end. China defeated host Japan in 4 sets and clinched their second WGCC title since 2001 with clean winning record. In the silver medal match, Brazil claimed the game in straight sets and edged the Americans in points to take the silver medal. Russia rose to no. 4 after defeating the wild card participant Korea.
Russia vs Korea
3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-21)
Wih absolute height advantage, Russia outperformed Korea with stronger spike and block. Goncharova registered 11 attacks and four attacks, then Kseniia Parubets added 11 markers coming off the bench in the second set. Lee Jaeyong made 14 points on a losing effort. The Russian outscored Korea in attacks 41-35 and in blocks 14-3.
After the match, Head coach of Russia revealed that he was optimistic about the team and enjoyed the tournament as he was able to measure their team and train up young players in top level encounters with one of the strongest teams in the world.
Brazil vs USA
3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-19)
Gabi and Drews had a scoring showdown, leading their sides to a tight first set encounter. The USA turnovers gave Brazil the chance to finish the set at 25-20. USA led 22-20 in the second set, but Brazil scored four straight points that snatched the lead, then Natalia buried a strong spike to close the second set at 25-23. USA ran out of momentum, while Brazil got better breaks that geared them up to win in straight sets.
Brazil’s silver medal finish is their third in the history of the competition after the inaugural edition in 1993 and in 2001.
China vs Japan
3-1 (25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 25-16)
Japan’s defence was unyielding against China, which led to a tight first set. However, Zhu Ting’s three strong spikes closed the set after the deadlock of 22-all. Japan gave another great fight in the next set and were rewarded with a win as Nomoto’s service game displaced their rivals’ defence. Zhu found the crack on the Japanese defence and picked on this deficiency to claim the next two sets for the title victory.
Zhu was offence-driven against Japan as scored 25 solid attacks and an ace for China. The rest of China’s starting unit scored points, with four other players scoring in double-figures – Zhang Changning (16), Yuan Xinyue (15), Yan Ni (12) and Zeng Chunlei (12). Japan also made a solid scoring effort led by Risa Shinnabe and Rika Nomoto, who scored 17 points each. However, China played solidly at the net with 15 stuff blocks.
Replay of Matches
Russia vs Korea
Brazil vs USA
China vs Japan
