Volleyball…Beijing 2008

An article from the Inquirer on the qualification round of the Phuket Open.

Heidi Ilustre and Diane Pascua maintained their steady drive toward the Beijing Olympics after barging into the main draw of the FIVB World Tour Thailand Open Wednesday in Karon Beach in Phuket.

The Filipino-American beach spikers displayed their readiness to tab a slot to the 2008 Games by trashing a pair of Kazakhs, 21-12, 21-14, to get into the money round of the last event in the 17-leg 2007 FIVB World Tour.

The Phuket Gazette has an article on the qualification round of the Phuket Open.

Click here to view the photos form the qualification round of the Phuket Open.

Courtesy FIVB.

Here are the Qualification results for the Phuket Open from the FIVB. The winners in bold advance to the main draw.

FIVB have an article about the upcoming World Cup, having a look at some of the favourites and newcomers.

Brazil is one of the favourites for World Cup 2007 title

Lausanne, 30^th October 2007 - From November 18^th to December 2^nd, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Egypt, Japan, Korea, Puerto Rico, Russia, Spain, Tunisia, U.S.A. will be the 12 teams competing with the round robin system for the World Cup in Japan.

The aim is not only to conquer the prestigious World Cup, which the FIVB organize every four years. Every team’s dream is to reach the podium, winning the first three places for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Dominican Republic have announced their final 12. Here is an article from World Cup Website.

Some more info on the Phuket Open starting tomorrow. Walsh and May- Treanor will secure their Beijing places by playing in this tournament having successfully competed in the 8 mandatory events. Leading Chinese and Brazilian pair are already qualified.

Like all events on the 2007 women’s SWATCH-FIVB World Tour calendar, qualifying means a chance for money for the lower-rated teams on the international Beach Volleyball circuit while the top-ranked tandems seek to better their position for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

 

It’s a few days later but I’ve found some interesting information regarding the Kenyans women Volleyball Team. Previously there was an article posted regarding the fact that the Kenyan Federation would not interfere with selections. Two days ago the dropped their former Captain, Dorcus Ndasaba, who is widely renowned to be the best attacker to come out of Kenya, and apparently too old. The federation did this, and the coaches had no knowledge. That in itself showing that the Kenyan Volleyball team is run by politics. As you could expect there was a lot of uproar from the team and officials. Today she has flown to Japan with the team after being reinstated. Ndasaba was also the player who stood up to the Federation recently demanding the players see their share of the 1 million  dollars given to the from the President for their African Championship winning performance and constantly fights for their welfare. Its seems teh KVF was uneasy having her as captain and around the team. The reason stated was the desire to bring youth into the team. Ndasaba was also the MVP of the recent African Championships.

The Japanese Womens Team has announced their 12 that will tackle the World Cup. The big surprise and change from the recent Asian Championship winning team is the second setter. Kawai, 17 year old high school athlete replaces their longtime second setter. Japan enjoys having one of the best setters in the world, Takashita, and looks to be grooming this youngseter to take her place. They are aiming for 8 wins out of the 11, something they know will get them a medal, any medal… and a place at the Beijing Olympics. Read more World Cup Site

Megumi Kurihara (wing spiker),

It might not be the best quality, or the most important match of this years World Cup, but there is sure ot be a lot of emotion surrounding the match between Egypt and Tunisia. Egypt won in 5 the last time they met, and although it is unlikely this match will have an influence on Beijing qualification, its going to be a big one.