The Netherlands claimed the first ever title at the FIVB World Grand Prix after beating Russia 3-2 for their fifth straight victory here on Sunday.
The orange contingent, the only team with a clean sheet at the six-strong round robin tournament, overcame some slump to beat Russia 21-25, 25-18, 25-13, 20-25 and 15-8, becoming the sixth country to win the renowned title.
In the 14 past editions, all-mighty Brazil claimed six crowns in all, followed by Russia with three. Other winners include the United States (2), Cuba (2) and China (1).
Following a convincing 5-0 win-loss record, the Netherlands now top the final rankings on ten points and look to be at about the peak of their game.
Spiker Chane Staelens popped up on the left to score sizzlers early in the opening set, but Russia was also into game quickly. The first TTO came with Russia in front 8-7 when Elena Godina stuffed a Caroline Wensink strike.
On the resumption, Lioubov Shashkova scored some spectacular winners to fire Russia 15-11 up, but the Netherlands at once answered with a 6-0 run inspired by Manon Flier and Staelens.
The momentum was then switched suddenly to the other side while the Netherlands had trouble in finding the range before handing in the 25-21 opening slump.
The Dutch side started strongly in the second set for a 8-4 lead at the first TTO while the Russian setter Marina Akulova helped the team cut the lead to 12-10.
But it turned out to be a flash in the pan when the Dutch girls started to dominate with their impressive team work play, while Russian spikers just could not find the range and the back court defense also fell to pieces.
The world champions came into the second TTO in trouble at 16-11.A ruthless Dutch side made the remaining time a torture for Russia, taking the set at 25-18 and the next at 25-13.
The Russian team finally woke up in the fourth set, jumping at 8-5 ahead in the first TTO, but they were still troubled with the reception and cove defense, with the Netherlands pulling within and tying the match at 11-11.
Shashkova and Natalia Alimova kept the points coming for Russia, putting more pressure on the Dutch side and finally securing the set at 25-20.
The tie break was hotly contested, with the Dutch side taking an upper hand first and leading 8-5 after Godina spiked long.
A Flier serve caused chaos in the back court of Russia, sending the Netherlands to 11-6 ahead while Debby Stam climbed well on the left to close out the match at 15-8.
Source: Xinhua
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