Defending champions Brazil will play for gold in the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Champions Cup after their victory in the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix at the beginning of August
Lausanne, Switzerland, August 30, 2017 - The top female volleyball players in the world will do battle for the title of champion of champions at the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Champions Cup from September 5 to 10.
Lausanne, Switzerland, August 30, 2017 - The top female volleyball players in the world will do battle for the title of champion of champions at the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Champions Cup from September 5 to 10.
The event in Japan showcases the stars of the international volleyball scene, for whom the tournament, which is only held every four years, represents the major highlight of the season. Many of the top stars who took a break during the FIVB World Grand Prix are back in their countries’ squads for the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup. They include superstars like Americans Jordan Larson and Kimberly Hill, as well as Russia’s Nataliya Goncharova and Tatiana Kosheleva.
The planned return of legendary player and coach “Jenny” Lang Ping to the Chinese team is at least as spectacular. After coaching China to Olympic success in Rio de Janeiro last year, the former top hitter took time out from working with the team. After seeing the Chinese miss out on the title in the final round of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix, which took place on home soil in Nanjing, Lang Ping should now come back to guide to her team. She is reported as feeling fit enough to return to work, despite having recently undergone an operation.
The planned return of legendary player and coach “Jenny” Lang Ping to the Chinese team is at least as spectacular. After coaching China to Olympic success in Rio de Janeiro last year, the former top hitter took time out from working with the team. After seeing the Chinese miss out on the title in the final round of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix, which took place on home soil in Nanjing, Lang Ping should now come back to guide to her team. She is reported as feeling fit enough to return to work, despite having recently undergone an operation.
“She had hip problems and underwent surgery in America, but will return to lead the team soon. We are looking forward to her return,” said Hui Ruoqi, who was captain of the Chinese team that won gold in Rio. She is also expected to return from injury in Japan. Whether China’s superstar Zhu Ting will be involved remains to be seen. She is nursing a wrist injury, which she sustained during the FIVB World Grand Prix. Speaking in an interview with the FIVB, Zhu Ting underlined how important the return of Lang Ping is “I have Lang Ping to thank for being as good as I am and mastering the latest techniques,” she said.
A number of big-name stars will also return to the US team for the World Grand Champions Cup. The preliminary squad for the tournament means the Americans can call on the leadership qualities of experienced Olympians Jordan Larson and Kimberly Hill at outside hitter, and Foluke Akinradewo and Rachael Adams at centre. The quartet of Olympians was given time to rest this summer after a long Olympic cycle followed directly by the professional club season this past winter and spring. Kim Hill, for example, won the FIVB Volleyball Club World Championship with VakifBank Istanbul in May – alongside China’s Zhu Ting.
“For the upcoming World Grand Champions Cup, we have the possibility of incorporating several players with Olympic and World Championship experience who did not compete in the World Grand Prix. Players like Jordan, Foluke, Kim and Rachael,” said head coach Karch Kiraly. “That kind of experience can be very beneficial for any team, certainly for ours.”
A number of big-name stars will also return to the US team for the World Grand Champions Cup. The preliminary squad for the tournament means the Americans can call on the leadership qualities of experienced Olympians Jordan Larson and Kimberly Hill at outside hitter, and Foluke Akinradewo and Rachael Adams at centre. The quartet of Olympians was given time to rest this summer after a long Olympic cycle followed directly by the professional club season this past winter and spring. Kim Hill, for example, won the FIVB Volleyball Club World Championship with VakifBank Istanbul in May – alongside China’s Zhu Ting.
“For the upcoming World Grand Champions Cup, we have the possibility of incorporating several players with Olympic and World Championship experience who did not compete in the World Grand Prix. Players like Jordan, Foluke, Kim and Rachael,” said head coach Karch Kiraly. “That kind of experience can be very beneficial for any team, certainly for ours.”
After resting over the summer, Nataliya Goncharova, Tatiana Kosheleva and Yana Shcherban joined the Russian squad as they prepare for the Grand Champions Cup in Anapa. Defending champions Brazil have already won the FIVB World Grand Prix this year - for the twelfth time - as well as the South American Championship. The team’s biggest stars are Natalia Pereira, Tandara Caixeta and Adenizia da Silva.
South Korea, who take their place at the World Grand Champions Cup courtesy of a wild card, will be counting on some big performances from attacking machine Kim Yeon Koung. She led her team to bronze in their continental championship.
South Korea, who take their place at the World Grand Champions Cup courtesy of a wild card, will be counting on some big performances from attacking machine Kim Yeon Koung. She led her team to bronze in their continental championship.
Hosts Japan go into the highlight of the season on the back of their fourth title at the Asian Volleyball Championships, where Risa Shinnabe was named MVP. Like Nana Iwasaka, who was a top blocker, she is one of the hosts’ stars and would love to be celebrating again after their victory in the continental championship.
World Grand Champions Cup winners
Women:
1993: Cuba
1997: Russia
2001: China
2005: Brazil
2009: Italy
2013: Brazil
Women:
1993: Cuba
1997: Russia
2001: China
2005: Brazil
2009: Italy
2013: Brazil
By; Editor
RSS Feed