Ostrava, Czech Republic, July 30, 2017 –
Poland triumphed as the Group 2 winners of the 2017 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix after shutting out
Korea in the final, leaving the Asian team second in the final rankings. The podium was completed by
Germany after a four-set victory over hosts
Czech Republic in the third place match.
With a tremendous performance by the blockers and a great overall team effort, Poland handed Korea an impressive 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-21) shutout in Sunday’s final played in the fantastic ambiance created by the numerous fans who travelled to Ostrava from both countries to cheer for their teams.
Korea’s
Yeon Koung Kim was the best scorer of the match with 15 points.
Berenika Tomsia and
Agnieszka Kakolewska contributed 12 and 11, respectively, to the winning side’s tally. Poland’s 14 kill blocks stunned the opponents and made the biggest difference in the game.
Louisa Lippmann was a true leader for Germany in the third place match earlier on Sunday. Despite the noisy support from the home fans in Ostrava, the Germans achieved a 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-20, 25-23) victory over the Czech Republic.
Lippmann was by far the best scorer of the match with 26 points, including three aces, for the winning side.
Petra Kojdova was the Czech Republic’s most prolific player with 19.
Second-placed Korea
The closing ceremony started with a spectacular artistic show that impressed the audience at Ostrava’s winter stadium. In a short, but exciting, awarding ceremony, under the applause of the cheerful fans, Poland rejoiced with the trophy cup, handed to them by FIVB Event Director Slobodan Milosevic and Czech Volleyball Federation President Marek Pakosta. The teams of Korea and Germany were honoured with plates.
Third-placed Germany