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Top teams one step away from FIVB World Grand Prix final (2) |
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08:18, August 15, 2007 |
The Brazilians, who claimed three titles in a row at the elite tournament, are now leading the general standings and followed at heel by Russia with five wins against one loss.
Italy is now in third place, with Cuba, the United States and China fourth to sixth.
The Russians had been hoping for a fourth title after they won in 1997, 1999 and 2002 finals in 14 editions of the annual women''s competition. They lost thrillingly 3-1 to the Brazilians in last year''s final.
The second leg witnessed Russia''s dazzling play and gritty patience as they won two tie breaks against the United States and Cuba, pushed by a cheering 7,200 home audience.
They will be playing for the last round alongside Japan, Poland and Kazakhstan in Pool G in Osaka, Japan.
Last week''s play also saw a different Poland: The shy team, which lost all three matches in its home debut one week before, was fully fired-up under some magic build-up from Marco Bonitta, former head coach of Italy.
They started with a convincing 3-1 win over the Azzurre, which was followed by a 3-2 sweet revenge against China and an easy victory over Dominican Republic, lighting up again the way to finals in Ningbo, China.
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