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By ERICA BULMAN, Associated Press Writer.
Yahoo!
News. Thu Sep 5
RIESA, Germany - Led by reigning titlist Cuba, 12 teams, including three
former world champions, geared up Thursday for the second round of the women's
Volleyball World Championships, which will showcase a repeat of the Sydney
Olympic final.
Cuba, Russia and China are three of the four world champions since 1952
remaining after three-time gold medalist Japan was forced to return home
following its fourth place finish in Group A.
Russia or the former-Soviet Union won in 1952, 1956, 1960, 1970, and 1990,
Cuba lifted the title in 1978, 1994 and 1998 while China triumphed in 1982 and
1986. Japan was world champion in 1962, 1967 and 1974.
In an Olympic rematch Sunday, world ranking leader Russia will attempt to
avenge its bitter loss to gold medalist Cuba in Group E.
The Russians, with the spectacular skills of giant attackers Elena Godina,
Ekaterina Gamova and Elizaveta Tichtchenko, remain one of the title favorites
after winning the World Grand Prix and the Montreux Volley Masters this summer.
Cuba, which suffered a troubling opening match upset to South Korea but
rallied sufficiently to finish second in Group B, is seeking its third
consecutive world title.
The two countries will also play Italy, which lost the European Championship
title to Russia last year. Coach Marco Bonitta's team has proven itself a strong
medal contender at the championships, however, finishing the preliminary round
as just one of three undefeated teams along with South Korea and the United
States.
The group also includes Greece, the only newcomer to reach the second round
after winning four of its five Group D matches.
"We have already rewritten the history books, now we have nothing to
lose," said Greek head coach Dimitrios Floros. "Having Italy, Cuba and
Russia in the next round, we have to face very strong opponents. We are not at
their level, but we will do our best."
In Group F play in Stuttgart, China, already in preparation for the 2008
Beijing Olympic Games, will meet Puerto Rico, the graceful and lightning-quick
South Koreans, and dangerous outsiders Bulgaria — the European bronze
medalists last year.
The United States, which had a remarkable 2001 season, claiming both the
World Grand Prix and the Norceca Continental Championship, remain in Riesa along
with world class Brazil, host Germany, the surprise bronze medalist at this
year's World Grand Prix, as well as the emerging young Dutch team in Group G.
"We're happy to stay here in Riesa as the first of our preliminary
round group," said American Danielle Scott. "We're settled here and
know our way around so that we can fully concentrate on the upcoming matches."
The Americans will be rejoined by their star libera Stacy Sykora, sidelined
for two matches after smashing her head during a dive in her team's 3-0 victory
over the Dominican Republic.
Though FIVB rules state teams can only replace their libera for one match at
the tournament, the United States received special permission from the ruling
body's Control Committee allowing Sykora to return to her position for the
second round.
"I'm feeling much better," Sykora said. "And as long as I can
play I'm happy.
"Now we just have to go into the next round and focus on what we have
to do. We've played all the teams here before so we know what to expect. All we
can do is focus on our side, stay totally concentrated on what we have to do, on
our game."
Teams had two rest days on Wednesday and Thursday to allow them to travel to
their second-round venues. Play was scheduled to resume Friday. | 
