Russia survives Japan; Germany bounces back

Two-time titlist Russia surprisingly encountered a tough test against Japan but survived, hacking out a 25-13, 25-10, 23-25, 25-19 win to virtually book a seat in the final round of the Women’s World Grand Prix 2002 at the Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

Later on, Germany bounced back from a loss to Russia Friday and moved back into contention for the Manila leg championship while also boosting its final round bid with a 25-18, 25-18, 25-22 victory over Brazil.

It was payback time for Germany which suffered a five-set loss to Brazil in the Japan leg.

Germany plays Japan while Russia takes on Brazil at the close today of the Grand Prix Manila stop presented by PAGCOR and sponsored by San Mig Light, Agfa Film, Red Bull Energy Drink, PCSO, the Philippine Sports Commission and Adidas with support from the Philippine Star, Philippine Tourism Authority, St. Monique-Valaise, Filmal Realty, Purefoods, Dari Crème Light, Nextel, Viva Mineral Water, Citibank, Kleenex and Kotex.

The Russians got off to a swashbuckling start but found themselves hard-pressed by the Japanese after the first two sets, needing two more sets to get by the fierce-fighting Asian lasses for their fifth straight win in the $1 million volley spectacle.

It marked only the third time that Russia was stretched to four sets in this Grand Prix. It went the full route in toppling reigning champion United States and also needed four sets to escape past Cuba in the China leg last weekend.

Japan, meanwhile, won a set for the first time after starting its campaign with a straight-set demolition of Thailand in Japan also last weekend. The Japanese were blanked by the Germans in their home turf and swept by the Brazilians in Japan and here at the Big Dome Friday.

Still in search of a first medal in this event first played 10 years ago, the Japanese practically kissed their bid goodbye with only one win to show halfway through the elims of the tournament featuring the eight best teams in the world. The top three after the elims join host China in the final round in Hong Kong next month.

Though seeded in the finals, the Chinese continued to exert tough effort and scored their third win in four matches with a 25-22, 25-17, 25-18 upset of the Americans in Thailand Friday.