Grand Champions Cup/ Brazil Earns the 5th Title

Osaka, Japan, September 17, 2017 – Brazil finished in style at the 2017 edition of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Grand Champions Cup with a sweeping victory over Japan to collect their record fifth title at the Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium on Sunday.

Brazil have long established an unprecedented record at the Men’s World Grand Champions Cup with four title wins under its name, but their 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-22) win over Japan completed their mission to extend their reign in the tournament.

Lucas Saatkamp and Mauricio Borges led Brazil in the tournament’s closing match, but Ricardo Lucarelli and Wallace De Souza consistent performances in the tournament helped the team achieve new feat.

Italy made a brilliant 3-1 (25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 29-27) winning finish against USA to maintain their record of finishing in the podium in all of their four participations at the World Grand Champions Cup. The Italians, in this edition, bagged the silver medal to add to their collection of gold and bronze medals.

Filippo Lanza top scored for Italy against USA and assisted in their silver medal finish, while opposite Luca Vettori played a vital role in their previous matches that led to four victories. Vettori made a total of 93 points from 78 spikes, nine blocks and six aces.

Iran had its best finish in the tournament by taking the bronze medal, after finishing fifth and fourth in the 2009 and 2013 editions, respectively. Iran also recorded four victories in the tournament as they completed their final obstacle against France 3-2 (38-36, 25-23, 22-25, 25-27, 15-11).

USA dropped to fourth place after their four-set loss to Italy, while France and Japan finished in fifth and sixth places.