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Brazil join China,
Cuba and Japan in Final Round
 Lausanne,
Switzerland, July 9, 2005 – Defending champions Brazil
were confirmed in the Final Round of the 2005 World
Grand Prix on Saturday when they won their seventh match
out of eight, beating Korea 3-1 (25-10, 23-25, 25-12,
25-10) in day two action of the Third Week of the
Preliminary Round.
Unbeaten China and Cuba, who were confirmed on Friday in
the next phase, continued their excellent form with a
3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-23) win over Germany and a
straight sets (27-25, 25-19, 25-21) victory over the
Netherlands respectively. Japan, who beat USA 3-1
(26-28, 25-22, 25-15, 25-18), qualify automatically to
the Final Round as hosts.
Sunday’s final day of the Preliminary Round will be
fascinating with Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and USA
all chasing the last two remaining Final Round
vacancies.
World champions Italy beat the Dominican Republic 3-0
(25-21, 25-10, 25-18) in Hong Kong on Saturday to record
their fifth win and must now beat China in their final
match on Sunday to ensure a place in the next phase,
although their points ratio is currently in their
favour.
European champions Poland were also victorious on
Saturday beating Thailand 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-20) in
Bangkok to move to a 4-4 win-loss record, while USA and
the Netherlands have similar records.
Unfortunately for Korea, Germany, the Dominican Republic
and Thailand, their chances of reaching the Final Round
are now all over.
Current standings after eight matches: 1) China 2) Cuba
3) Brazil 4) Italy 5) Japan 6) Netherlands 7) USA 8)
Poland 9) Korea 10) Germany 11) Dominican Republic 12)
Thailand |
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Finals