Brazilians rip Dominicans in opener

The Leila Barros-led Brazil trounced a listless Dominican Republic in a swift, merciless straight set victory yesterday in Manila leg of the 2004 Samsung FIVB World Grand Prix Women’s Volleyball at the Philsports Arena before a lean but appreciative crowd.

Showing superb court coverage, powerful offense and awesome defense, the Brazilians needed just 61 minutes in bashing the Dominicans, 25-15, 25-17, 25-19.

The opening ceremony, highlighted by the traditional parade of the four participating squads and attended by Philippine Sports Commission chair Eric Buhain, FIVB representative Shanrit Wongprasert and RP volleyball chief Roger Branzuela, even took an hour longer than the game itself.

Barros, who is making her third and probably a farewell Olympic bid in Athens, Greece next month before the finally retiring, showed the old spunk and grit that drew applause from the fans but later admitted she didn’t dish out her usual game.

"I didn’t play well, I’m a little bit nervous," said the beautiful Barros through her coach Jose Guimares in the post game interview.

Indeed, the 32-year-old Barros, who shifted to beach volleyball after her World Grand Prix stints in 1999 and 2000 and 2000 Sydney Olympics stints, groped for form in the contest.

Her spikes, not as solid as before, were either blocked or defended well by the Dominicans, the Pan-American champion and currently ranked 14th by the sports world governing body.

But her sputtering game did not prevent her fans, mostly hot-blooded males, from shouting "I still love you Leila" or "Will you marry me Leila."

Barros, however, had some fine moments too. The most memorable of which was when she smashed one from a nice set by Helia "Fofao" Souza, the most senior of the Brazilians at age 34.

It took her teammates Fabiana Claudina, a promising 6’4" 19-year-old rookie who is playing for Minas Tenis Clube back home, and Erika Coimbra, also a World Cup and Olympic veteran like Barros and a familiar face, to take up the cudgels for the Brazilans for the victory.

In the other match, Poland powered its way to a three-set victory over Korea, 25 -21, 25-22, 25-21.

Claudina, who is making her first Olympic stint in Athens, led the three-time and Grand Prix champion and Sydney Olympic bronze medallist, with 11 points, nine of which coming on attacks, while Coimbra added nine points in a victory that made their coach happy.

Wellisa Gonzaga, another Grand Prix neophyte chasing an Olympic dream, chipped seven points, all coming in the third set.