FIVB World League 2017- Week three. Russia, Canada and the United States claimed crucial victories on Sunday in Group 1 that secured their places in the 2017 FIVB World League Final Six.
The Final round will be host by Brazil. Two European team France and Serbia, which earlier qualified in the Final Six, together with Russia, Canada and USA will compete in Curitiba from July 4 to 8.
Belgium, Poland, Russia, Bulgaria and Canada carried identical 4-4 win-loss cards, while USA had a 3-5 win-loss record prior to their matches on Sunday. Russia, Canada and the USA had one match each to define their destiny and they productively did so as they earned victories, which gave them vital points to climb the Group1 ranking.
Russia clinched a straight-set win over Iran in Lodz, to record a 5-4 card and earn three points to improve their points total to 14, putting them in fourth place in Group 1. Canada also improved their win-loss record to 5-4 and earned three points in their four-set win over Italy to gain the fifth spot.
USA kept their pursuit of the title as they get into Final Six after they defeated hosts Poland in four sets. After struggling start in the tournament, USA managed to earn victories that facilitated their jump from ninth to sixth place in the ranking.
Belgium lost their grip after their straight-set loss to 2015 World League winners France in Antwerp. France sit as the top team with eight wins and one loss in the in the preliminary round.
Argentina ended Bulgaria’s Final Six hopes when they fulfilled a 3-1 triumph on home soil. Bulgaria suffered from turnovers, which allowed Argentina to execute their plays well.
Brazil completed the list of winners in Group 1 with a four-set win over defending champions Serbia.
Meanwhile, Japan made it to the final four despite their 3-2 loss to China in Kunshan. The Japanese edged the Chinese in the tight race with a slim one-point margin, coming from their five-set encounter. Japan will join Slovenia, the Netherlands and host Australia in the Group 2 Final Four competition in Gold Coast from June 24 to 25.
In Group 3, Estonia captured the Group 3 title on their debut with victories over Spain in straight sets. Germany settled for third in the group after their straight-set win over Mexico in Leon.
Source: FIVB
