2017 FIVB VOLLEYBALL WORLD GRAND PRIX – GROUP 1
- Group 1, Pool B1
- July 7th – August 6th
- Kunshan, China
- FIVB World Grand Prix Round 1
- Schedule/Results
China and Italy go toe-to-toe as both nations begin their 2017 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix adventures. It will be a home match for China as they look to get off on the right foot with USA and Russia still looming.
Although China did not place at the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix, they did win the gold medal at the 2016 Olympics – which occurred about a month after the Grand Prix.They even took out the World Grand Prix champions in Brazil during their Olympic run, as they defeated the Brazilians in five sets during the quarterfinal round before running through Netherlands and Serbia. Now there sights are set on the Grand Prix, which they have won one other time (2003). They’ve also finished second five times and third on three separate occasions as they are one of two teams (Japan) to have appeared in every Grand Prix.
Italy is competing in the World Grand Prix for the 19th time as they are still searching for their first event victory. They’ve come close numerous times as they enjoyed a stretch from 2004-2010 where they won two silvers and four bronzes.
China will be looking for redemption after bowing out between the Final Six and semifinal round after the United States and Brazil each shared duel responsibility in China being eliminated. They’ll look for more of a result similar to the Olympics as they face off with Italy to get things under way in a series that Italy leads 12-11 in Grand Prix competition.
Watch the full live video below:
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