Khabarovsk, Russia, August 8, 2007 - For the first time in the WGP history the Preliminary Round matches will take place in Russia. Khabarovsk, whose team “Samorodok”, one of the leaders of the Russian female volleyball, has shown an outstanding level of preparation in welcoming the teams of USA, Cuba, Kazakhstan and Russia.
Participants have had the opportunity to train in the main playing hall “Platinum Arena” since the first day of their stay in Khabarovsk. The competitions attract great public attention. Press conference with participation of the teams’ head coaches has gathered more than sixty representatives of more than twenty media sources. All head coaches expressed their appreciation for the hospitality and professionalism of organizers.
A. Perdomo (Head Coach of Cuba team): “Our aim for this round is to have the best result. The team composition and the level of their preparation allow to consider this goal attainable. Nevertheless, we are aware that our opponents are strong and competent.”
Lang Ping (Head Coach of USA team): “Our team has been training in this composition for only two weeks. Some key players haven’t yet started training with the National team. Moreover, our opponents are very strong and experienced. But we hope for a successful performance in Khabarovsk.”
E. Sivkov (Head Coach of Kazakhstan team): “Participation of our team in such a prestigious tournament as WGP as well as successful performance of Kazakhstan club teams in Asian competitions prove that female volleyball in Kazakhstan is on the rise. Of course, we will try to play as well as possible. But the main aim is to obtain world experience in matches with the world’s best teams.”
G. Caprara (Head Coach of Russia team): ”Russian team is playing at home, and must strive for the maximum. But taking into consideration Sokolova’s and Merculova’s injuries, the fact that some players are young and not experienced enough, and such a high level of competition, thus our task is winning at least two matches.”