Tops seeds Juliana and Larissa keeping minds focused on the task ahead at World Championships
Number one seeds Juliana Felisberta Silva (right) and Larissa Franca have won three matches from three to reach the knockout stages at the Foro Italico.
Rome, Italy, June 15 – With three wins under their belts women’s number one seeds Juliana Felisberta Silva and Larissa Franca have reached the knockout rounds without losing a set, but are preparing to improve their performance further.
The Brazilians have beaten Italian pair Giada Benazzi and Viktoria Orsi Toth, Merel Mooren and Rebekka Kadjik of the Netherlands and German duo Jana Kohler and Julia Sude.
“I am happy as we have completed our first task,” Juliana said. “We had to work hard and we have finished first in our pool.
“There are some things we can improve and I know that and I have to watch the videos. We have to play strong and improve step by step.”
A victory at Rome 2011 would complete the set of medals for the pair after they won silver in 2005 and 2009 and bronze in 2007.
So far 2011 has been a successful year for Juliana and Larissa after they finished with gold at the FIVB Swatch World Tour Brasilia Open and the Olympic Venue Sanya Open, but they are aware that there is an extremely strong field out to stop them at the Foro Italico.
“I think there are 10 or 12 teams that are strong and we have to keep our eyes on,” Juliana said. “There are the Americans, the Brazilians, the Germans and also the Italians.
“But I want to think about my team, play hard and not worry about the others. For sure we have to look at them, but I need to worry about how I am playing.”
