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Brazil win first World GP title in 6 years
Brazil beat hosts and reigning world champions Italy 3-1 in Reggio Calabria on Sunday to claim its first World Grand Prix title in six years. With a 25-19, 25-19, 24-26 and 25-19 win, the Brazilians bounced back from a seventh finish last year to record their fourth triumph at the annual tournament, which was founded in 1993, following victories in 1994, 1996 and 1998. "It's a big victory for us," said Brazilian head coach Jose Guimaraes. "We kept concentration and determination all through to win." Brazil, who were in brilliant form in this Grand Prix, finished with a 12-1 record after three legs of preliminaries and the six-team Finals to receive a total of US$275,000 of prize money. The second place finish was also the best for Italy at the World Grand Prix. Italy stayed within 16-15 in the first two sets, but faded both times. Brazil was up again at 15-13 in the third set, but Italy stormed back with a 7-1 run to overtake the lead at 20-16. The South Americans managed to tie it at 24-all before Antonella Del Core ran off two points in a row to level one set back for the hosts. In the fourth set, Italy erased an early 5-1 deficit to tie it at 17-all, but Brazil pulled away from then on to clinch the set and the match. Steinbrecher Marianne converted 21 of her 37 killing chances to finish with a game-high 21 points for Brazil while Coimbra Erika and Dias Virna added 18 each. Brazil reaped 16 points from blocking, compared with 7 for Italy. Earlier on Sunday, United States beat Cuba 25-20, 25-22 and 25-16 for the bronze medal. |
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