China third in volleyball GP after Brazil, Italy
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-07-19 06:29

"Italy were a great team. I'm very proud of this win. We were both determined to win the match, but we were a little bit more determined."

Liu Yanan spikes.

Italy's coach Marco Bonitta said: "Brazil deserved to win. My players showed great determination to keep going at the end of the fourth game, and what cost us was our bad start in the decider."

It was a repeat performance for the Brazilians, who beat Italy in four games in last year's final.

It was a record fifth title for Brazil, following their victories in 1994, 1996, 1998 and last year. Russia have won the Grand Prix three times, while Cuba and the United States have won twice each and China once.

In later actions, Athens Olympic gold medallists China outgunned Japan 25-23, 25-22, 25-23 to win their third victory after the opening two defeats of the tournament.

China's young ace spiker Chu Jinling scored a team high with 16 points followed by another spiker Yang Hao with 14 points.

"I think the team played very well today on attacks," said Chinese coach Chen Zhonghe.

"But the serve is not strong and allowed Japan to make a lot of trouble for us."

Chen said he is glad to see the strong recovery of the inspired Chinese team, who stunningly lost their opening two matches and also their title hope, to Cuba and Italy.

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