Montreux, Switzerland, May 27, 2015 - Netherlands scooped a 3-0 victory (25-18, 26-24, 29-27) in their first game under new coach Giovanni Guidetti. Turkey stopped Germany’s impressive five game winning streak with a 3-1 (17-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-14) win, while Russia overpowered the Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-23).
The second day at the Montreux Masters was without a doubt a very promising one with Russia and the Netherlands to begin their campaigns on the shores of Lake Léman. Fans around the world were also looking forward to a huge clash between Turkey and Germany.
In the first game of the day, the young Chinese national team wanted to prove that their huge opening victory over the Dominican Republic was not just a lucky strike. But the aspiring youngsters learnt how experience can make a difference at the top level. The Netherlands prevailed at decisive moments of the game - even without their big star Robin de Kruijf from VakifBank Istanbul in the game roster. The Chinese, on the other hand, did their very best and fought for every ball, but had to accept a 3-0 (25-18, 26-24, 29-27) defeat in their second game at the Montreux Masters, while the Dutch made their new star coach Giovanni Guidetti the present of a sweep in his first game as “Oranje” national coach.
In the second game on Day 2, Turkey had to prove that they could handle pressure. After a disappointing performance in the opening game versus Japan, Ferhat Akba’s squad had to overcome Germany if they wanted to remain on track for the semis at the Montreux Masters. The reigning champs, however, were keen to gather their sixth consecutive victory in the competition - and Luciano Pedullà’s troops made a huge first step to victory number six with a 25-17 win in the first set. The Turks, however, recovered from their setback in the opener and fought their way back into the game. Ferhat Akba’s Turks took over the reins and inflicted a 3-1 (17-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-14) defeat on the Germans to end their impressive winning streak of five consecutive games at the Montreux Masters.
The cherry on the cake on Day 2 of the 30th Montreux Masters was the battle between the Dominican Republic and Russia. The European champs were ready to make a good start after a disappointing result at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship Italy 2014. The Caribbean team, on the other hand, had to win this match-up if they wanted to keep their hopes of the semis alive. But Marco Kwiek’s “Queens of the Caribbean” suffered a huge setback as the Russian side left no room for doubt and overcame the Dominican Republic in straight sets 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-23).
Thrilling matches await tomorrow, with teams competing for the early tickets for the semis at the Montreux Masters. Reigning champs Germany take on Japan at 16.30 (CET). The Netherlands and Russia meet in the big battle for the first place in Pool A at 18.30 (CET). Finally, Marco Bonitta’s young Italy team will be eager to gather points versus the aspiring Turks at 21.00 (CET).