Cuba, Russia on collision course at world v'ball meet
1998-11-10

Nations Brazil China Italy Netherlands

OSAKA -- By: Alastair Himmer Cuba and Russia went through their paces on the practice court Tuesday in preparation for their respective semifinal matches against Brazil and China on Wednesday at the women's world volleyball championship.

Defending world and two-time Olympic champion Cuba starts favorite against Brazil at Osaka Municipal Gymnasium, but is still smarting from a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Brazilians in the semifinal of a world grand prix event in September.

Meanwhile, Russia, ranked No. 1 in the world by volleyball's international governing body FIVB, is expected to find little trouble in overcoming Asian champion China, which finished runner-up behind Cuba with a 3-2 record in its quarterfinal group.

China's main concern will be Russia's ''twin towers'' of Elena Godina and Evguenia Artamonova, while the high-flying Cuban duo of veteran Mireya Luis Hernandez and rising star Yumilka Ruiz Luaces will keep the Brazilian defense busy in their semifinal.

Cuba's coach Antonio Perdomo said his team had no thoughts for Thursday's final and was focusing only on its date with the Atlanta Olympic bronze medalist.

''Our first goal is to beat Brazil. It will not be easy, but I think our chances are good,'' he said.

Meanwhile, host Japan, which saw its hopes of making the medal round fade with consecutive defeats to Russia and Brazil in the quarterfinal round, will be looking to salvage some pride against Croatia on Wednesday in the consolation bracket.

The Croatian squad, with Japan-based star Barbara Jelic in superb form as the tournament's leading scorer, will be looking to build on its spirited performance on Monday, when it took Cuba to deuce in the second set before going down 15-11, 16-14, 15-6.

Japan's tenacious defense, underpinned by captain Asako Tajimi and center Naomi Eto, will be key if Nobuchika Kuzuwa's team is to get off on the right foot in a tough consolation bracket which also features the Netherlands and Italy.

''This time round, we want to aim for fifth place -- not settle for seventh,'' said Kuzuwa, referring to Japan's final placing at the 1994 world championships in Brazil. [Kyodo]