Umag, Croatia, June 22, 2013 – Poland claimed a spot in both the men’s and women’s final four of the U21 World Championships in Umag.
The semifinals in the women’s competition are all-European with Poland's Kociolek/Gruszscynska taking on Austria's Schützenhofer/Plesiutschnig and Spain's Soria/Brun playing Germany Krebs/Wik.
In the men’s Brazilian qualifiers Guto Carvalhaes/Allison meet Poland's Kosiak/Rudol and Canada O'Gorman/Nusbaum play Russia's Kirienko/Uraikin.
Poland’s Kosiak and Rudol take revenge for friends
With lots of support from friends and family Poland’s Maciej Kosiak and Maciej Rudol were the last ones to reach the semifinals of the U21 World Championships in Umag. In a late evening match they defeated Russia’s Maxim Zhirkov and Ostap Firzov in two sets: 21-16 21-17.
MoreCanada’s O’Gorman and Nusbaum in final four on familiar territory
Two years ago they won bronze at the Youth World Championships in Umag, and this time Canada’s Grant O’Gorman and Aaron Nusbaum are eager to go better. On Saturday they reached the semifinals of the U21 World Championships in Umag after three wins in the elimination rounds.
MorePoland knocks out reigning U21 world champion to reach semifinals
Poland’s Katarzyna Kociolek and Jagoda Gruszscynska knocked out reigning world champion Nina Betschart and her partner Nicole Eiholzer to reach the final four at the U21 World Championships in Umag. The Swiss team took the game to a tiebreak after losing the first set, but Poland eventually won 21-17 11-21 15-12.
MoreHard work finally pays off for Spain’s Soria
Paula Soria Gutierrez and Raquel Brun Forcadell did not have a very good start at the U21 World Champions in Umag. The Spanish pair lost their first two matches in pool play and barely made it to the elimination rounds with one win.
MoreGermany sends Brazil’s silver medallist Eduarda home
Germany’s Anna Behlen and Yanina Weiland eliminated Taina Silva Bigi and Eduarda Santos Lisboa from Brazil in three sets (21-11 19-21 15-13) at the U21 World Championships in Umag on Saturday. Fourteen-year old Eduarda won the silver medal at the U23 World Championships just two weeks ago.
MoreSpecial intercontinental tournament during U21 in Umag
The FIVB is organizing an intercontinental tournament this weekend in Umag to give newly developing teams already eliminated at the U21 World Championships the opportunity to gain some more playing experience. Eight men’s teams from Africa, North America, South America and Asia will compete in a knockout format.
MoreThe semifinals of the 13th edition of the U21 World Championships start on Sunday with the women’s matches at 10.00 and 11.00, followed by the men’s at 12.00 and 13.00. The bronze medal matches are scheduled for 18.00 (women’s) and 19.00 (men’s) and the finals for 20.00 (women’s) and 21.00 (men’s).
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