A new generation of Russian players are looking to make a statement at the 2016 World Grand Prix
Kaliningrad,
Russia, June 8, 2016 - Belgium, the Netherlands, Russia and Turkey are ready to
start their FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Group 1 campaign in the most western city of Russia.Related information:Russia, who finished second during last year's edition, completed its preparations in Anapa – the traditional summer camp for all national teams
in the country. Coach Yury Marichev has picked 16 players including last year's Best Opposit Natalya Goncharova and Best Libero Anna Malova.
The 2015/16 season was one to remember for Russia. The team successfully qualified for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the European Qualification tournament in Ankara, Turkey. Coincidentally they beat all three of their Pool C1 rivals at the tournament, outscoring Belgium in three sets during the group stage before notching up consecutive victories over Turkey in the semifinal (3-1) and the Netherlands in final
(3-1).
In fact, Russia were twice the tormentors of the Dutch last year, also defeating them in the final of the 2015 CEV European Championship. It was an outstanding performance as they scooped a straight sets win while
Tatiana Kosheleva took the prizes of both the Best Outside Spiker and the MVP. It was a disappointing tournament for Turkey as they were downed by the Dutch in the semifinals before being seen off by Serbia to be denied bronze.
There is no doubt that Pool C1 has created a new opportunity for old
adversaries to clash once again in the eyes of the friendly Kaliningrad public, who
have proven their devotion to volleyball over the
last few years.However, the fans will not have the chance to see the brilliant Ekaterina Gamova or Liubov Shashkova, with both announcing their retirement a few weeks ago.
But a new generation of Russian players, who have already made a name for themselves with some outstanding results this year, is looking forward to new
victories.