Macau, China, August 14, 2010 – Defending champions Brazil recorded their second win of the weekend in the 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix with a 3-1 (25-21, 21-25, 25-15, 26-24) victory over the Netherlands on Saturday in Macau, China.

The first set was even from the beginning as the Brazilians took the lead at the first technical timeout. However, the Netherlands fought pack with smashes and slowly narrowed the point deficit to two. Following two ace serves from Sheilla, Brazil slightly widen the advantage to an 18-13 lead. Aggressive spikes from Manon Filer helped the Netherlands to bring the score close again. However, an unforced error gave Brazil a chance to pick up the first set.

The Netherlands started well in the second set and took a 6-2 lead, forcing the Brazil coach to ask for the first timeout. Brazil could not stop the powerful spikes from Filer, allowing the Netherlands to solidify their advantage. However, following a number of errors, the Netherlands gave the South Americans a chance to level the score. Using efficient spikes and blocks, the Netherlands soon regained control of the game and grasped six points in a row. However, Brazil slowly recovered and fought back to 19-17 behind the Netherlands. Showing greater ambition, the Netherlands brought the game back to seal the set.

Brazil reinforced their blocking and defense and soon took the control of the third to gain the advantage 9-1. From that moment, both sides played point by point. The South Americans did not face too much pressure in the third and maintained a ten-point advantage to the end of the set, leading the score to 2-1.

The forth set was an even battle with both sides trading points early on as Brazil gained a narrow lead at the second technical timeout. The Netherlands did not give any chance to the South American to run ahead and pulled back at 16-all. With an ace serve from C. Staelens, the Netherlands grasped four points in a row, leading Brazil 20-16. The South Americans fought back with great ambitions and brought the game to 24-all. Eventually Brazil regained momentum to see out the set, ending the game with a score 3-1.

Brazil will face China on the final day of the weekend as the Netherlands prepare to take on the Dominican Republic.