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MONTREUX, Switzerland, May 28, 2015 – Three tickets have been
taken at the Montreux Volley Masters 2015 as Japan, Netherlands
and Turkey claimed victories at the Pierrier Sports Hall on
Thursday.
Japan crushed Germany’s dreams of a title defence with a 3-1
(25-27, 25-17, 25-20, 26-24) victory, the Netherlands downed
European champions Russia 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-17, 25-22),
while Turkey swept the Italian youngsters 3-0 (25-17, 28-26,
25-22) to earn the semifinals berths at the 30th edition of the
most prestigious invitational tournament in the world.
In the first match, reigning Montreux Volley Masters champions
Germany were ready to do their best to recover from their loss
to Turkey on Wednesday, but World No. 3 Japan were poised to get
their second win to clinch the early ticket for the semifinals.
Japan’s great defensive game was key to their two victories,
which somehow rewarded them bigger as they ceased Germany’s
title defence campaign.
In another big clash, the Netherlands outclassed European
champions Russia in four sets. The two teams did not disappoint
the high expectations of the crowd as they delighted them with
long and hard-fought rallies. The Dutch team eventually fared
better as their opposite spiker Lonneke Sloetjes gave them
steady offence. The 22-year-old player from Schweriner SC
outscored the Russian players with an impressive 21-point output
to lead the Netherlands in Pool A.
Marco Bonitta’s young Italian troop were eager to do better
after the setback in the opening game against Germany. The
Turkish side, on the other hand, were willing to seize the
opportunity to clinch the ticket for the semifinals in Pool B.
Turkey scooped a clear straight-set victory over Bonitta’s team
as they overpowered the Italian youngters with their aggressive
attack game. Italy could not handle the pressure and committed
39 errors in the match.
As a result, three out of the four teams have been defined for
the semifinals of the Montreux Volley Masters. Titleholders
Germany will not be able to defend their crown as they were
dropped out in the group stage. |
