Brazil have won the World Grand Prix title 11 times and are the team with the most victories in the tournament

Bangkok, Thailand, July 10, 2016 – Brazil captured the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix title, with their defeat of the United States in five sets, while the Netherlands took bronze, with their 3-2 victory over Russia at Indoor Stadium Huamark on Sunday.









Brazil surpassed their own record by winning their 11th title in the World Grand Prix. The South Americans have dominated the tournament with 18 podium finishes, including 11 gold, five silver and two bronze medals.





Brazil rebounded in the second and third frames after their setback in the opening set. Brazilian setter Danielle Lins showed excellent range in her sets as she got all players on the court involved on offence. USA somehow found their rhythym and took the fourth set, but the Brazilians broke the momentum of their rivals and gained an early advantage in the fifth set, until captain Fabiana Claudino nailed the match-winner.





Five Brazilian players – Fabiana, Sheilla Castro, Fernanda Rodrigues, Thaisa Menezes and Natalia Pereira – scored in double digits. Fabiana, who delivered crucial points in the match, recorded 18 points, while USA’s Foluke Akinradewo topped all scorers with 19 markers.





In the bronze medal match, the Netherlands returned to the World Grand Prix podium since winning gold in 2007, as they rallied from two sets down and seize victory in the thrilling five-setter. The Netherlands fought hard in the third set, but the Russians swung the momentum back to their side as they made back-to-back blocks to grab the lead at 23-22. Both teams kept the crowd on the edge of their seats as they traded points, but the Netherlands eluded Russia in the end at 30-28 to extend the match.





Lonneke Sloetjes powered the Dutch offence together with Anne Buijs, who converted on crucial plays to power her team’s brilliant run in the succeeding sets. Sloetjes scored 24 points, then Buijs added 19 markers for the Netherlands. Russian star Nataliya Goncharova topped all scorer with 29 points.





Meanwhile, China secured fifth place, following their defeat of hosts Thailand in straight sets. The Chinese blockers overwhelmed Thailand, as top scorer Yuan Xinyue mounted huge blocks that forced the Thai hitters to struggle especially in the third set. Yuan Xinyue had six of China’s 18 blocks.





The host nation nevertheless challenged China in the first two sets, with the latter struggling to gain a comfortable cushion. China settled to secure both sets with a two-point margin, then brandished all their might to the third frame and the match with a big edge.





Dream Team

Best Outside Spiker: Sheilla Castro (BRA)

2nd Best Outside Spiker: Kimberly Hill (USA)

Best Middle Blocker: Rachael Adams (USA)

2nd Best Middle Blocker: Thaisa Menezes (BRA)

Best Libero: Lin Li (CHN)

Best Setter: Nootsara Tomkom (THA)

Best Opposite: Lonneke Sloetjes (NED)

Most Valuable Player: Natalia Pereira (BRA)















