Germany overpowered World No. 5 Italy in four sets on day one of the Montreux Volley Masters 2015
Montreux, Switzerland, May 26, 2015 - The Montreux Volley Masters has begun with a young China team claiming victory against the Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20), a four set win for Germany against Italy 3-1 (25-20, 15-25, 25-21, 23-25), and Japan sweeping Turkey 3-0 (25-19, 26-24, 25-18).
The 30th edition of the Montreux Masters features one of the strongest lineups in the long history of the tournament. The organisers of the oldest and most prestigious invitational tournament in the world have again successfully gathered some of the world's best women's national teams in the city on Lake Geneva.
In the opening game, a young team China were matched with the Dominican Republic. The silver medallists at the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship Italy 2014 were prepared to challenge their Latin American rivals, who played one of their strongest teams, and Marcos Kwiek’s squad soon found they had few solutions. Their strong attacking game got almost completely blocked out, while the Chinese youngsters were able to score through a varied and well-played attacking game. The Dominicans failed to take advantage of their experience and eventually fell to the Chinese 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20).
The second tie was an exciting match-up between two of Europe’s strongest national teams, with Italy taking on Germany. Marco Bonitta’s squad were keen to respond to the support provided by the Italian fans, who saw their favourites claim fourth place at the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship Italy 2014. The Germans, on the other hand, attempted to celebrate national coach Luciano Pedullà’s debut for “die Schmetterlinge” with an opening win. The German team quickly found their rhythm, although they had only had few days under coach Pedullà to prepare. Youngster Laura Weihenmaier led her team to an important opening 3-1 (25-20, 15-25, 25-21, 23-25) win.
The crowning moment of the opening day came with the encounter between Japan and Turkey. The Asian champs are keen to prove their form, in a season which will see Japan welcome the FIVB Volleyball World Cup. Coach Masayoshi Manabe’s squad overpowered the Turks in straight sets 3-0 (25-19, 26-24, 25-18). Turkey did all they could to keep up with their opponents, but were overwhelmed by their opponents' fast and sharp passes and attacks. The Japanese held on to their pace to scoop a 3-0 victory.
The action continues tomorrow at 16.30 CET with a game between China and the Netherlands. That will be followed by Turkey v Germany (18.30 CET) and Dominican Republic v Russia (21.00 CET).