World Grand Prix – Week 1: Serbia and USA keep unbeaten start

In Pool A1 in Ankara, Brakica Mihajlovic had 16 points that led Serbia to a straight-set domination of Belgium, who struggled to produce the numbers in all skill departments. The Rio 2016 silver medallists have been quite solid in their campaign this year, as they started with three straight-set victories. The Brazilians are second with two wins, including their 3-2 encounter with hosts Turkey.



USA went through a tough start in their 3-2 win over Russia, but their succeeding matches against Italy and China showed their drive to top Pool B 1 in Kunshan. In the earlier match, Paola Egonu’s 39 points led Italy to finally register a victory in five sets against Russia, who recorded three straight losses in five-setters.



In Apeldoorn, Kumi Nakada was true with her words that Japan are out there to build new history after they made a sensational 3-2 comeback against the Netherlands. The hosts won Pool C1 despite their five-set loss to Japan, while the Dominican Republic are second after their 3-1 win over Thailand. The Netherlands, the Dominican Republic and Japan finished the first week with a 2-1 win-loss record; while Thailand were left winless in three matches.