Kunshan Sports Center will welcome China. Russia, USA and Italy on the opening week of tyhe 2017 World Grand Prix
Kunshan, China, July 5, 2017 – Volleyball returns to Kunshan when the city hosts FIVB World Grand Prix Group 1 Pool B at the Kunshan Sports Center shortly after World League Group 2 concluded at the same venue a few weeks ago.
There are high expectations that China’s fans will turn out in full strength from July 7 to July 9 when hosts and Olympic champions take on 2016 World Grand Prix silver medallists USA, Russia and Italy.
On the opening day USA clash with Russia at 15:00 (local time), while China face Italy at 19:30. Italy play USA and China face Russia on day two. Then on the final day Russia go up against Italy and China encounter USA as the opening weekend draws to a close.
Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic MVP Zhu Ting will captain China for the first time and she is joined by five other Olympians on the roster.
Reigning world champions USA are second only to Brazil in FIVB World Grand Prix gold medals, having collected six in their 23 appearances. Russia have won three FIVB World Grand Prix titles but it was 2002 when they last topped the podium. Italy will be competing in their 19th World Grand Prix this year having won two silver and four bronze medals in the history of the competition.