Italy upset China in WGP volleyball women's finals
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-07-11 06:26
HONG KONG, July 10 -- European powerhouse Italy swept Olympic champions China 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-22) here on Sunday to clinch the berth of the World Grand Prix women's volleyball finals.
China's skipper Feng Kun sets up ball as Italy defeats China 3-0(25-22, 25-22, 25-22) in Hong Kong. [Xinhua] |
The other remaining berth came to the Netherlands as they beat South Korea 25-12, 25-20, 25-15 in Taipei, China.
After Sunday's matches, Olympic champions China, defending champions Brazil, Olympic bronze medalists Cuba, Italy and the Netherlands managed to join hosts Japan in the finals set for Sendai, Japan from July 13-18.
Poland, who had remained hope with Italy and the Netherlands before the match, found their point ratio too much to their disadvantage and finished in seventh as Italy shocked Olympic champions China, despite beating the United States 3-1 (25-18, 25- 17, 22-25, 25-22) in Bangkok.
"I am very happy as this was an excellent game and a big day for Italy," coach Marco Bonitta said after beating China.
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