Lili and Vieira of Brazil clinch success at the Country Quota Playoffs of Rome Grand Slam

The 2012 Smart Grand Slam Rome, the women’s beach volleyball tournament, started off on Tuesday, June 12.

The opening stage of the tournament featured a Country Quota Playoffs. Duos for Brazil, Germany, and USA competed at the CQs, in order to advance to the qualifying round of the tournament. 

In the Brazilian CQs, the pairing of Liliane Maestrini and Angela Vieira came into contest with compatriots Maria Clara and Raquel. After a heated competition, the duo of Lili-Vieira emerged successful. They posted 2-0 (25-23, 21-19) victory over rivals and advanced to the Qualification Tournament. 

To check out the result sheet, please click the following link: http://www.fivb.org/EN/BeachVolleyball/Competitions/WorldTour/2012/Event/Results.asp?TournCode=WITA2012&Phase=0

The captain of US volleyball team Gene Selznick passes away – Obituary

Volleyball legend Gene Selznick, who was the captain of the US men’s national team from 1953 to 1967, bid farewell to life on Sunday, June 10. He died at the age of 82. Reportedly, pneumonia has been cited as the reason for his death.

The entire volleyball community expressed much regret over the loss of a legendary volleyball player, who put up great many efforts to develop and promote the challenging sport of volleyball. He will be fondly remembered as a great player, innovator, an outstanding coach, a wonderful entertainer, and an outspoken person. 

“Volleyball has lost one of the most remarkable performers and personalities in our entire life,” FIVB Board of Administration member and USA Volleyball CEO Doug Beal said. 

To know more about late Mr Sleznick and his achievements, please visit the following link: http://www.fivb.org/EN/Media/viewPressRelease.asp?No=35198&Language=en

China's Xue and Zhang Xi claim third gold medal in the 2012 season - Beach Volleyball

The dynamic duo of Chen Xue and Xi Zhang from China did it for the third time on 2012 SWATCH FIVB World Tour.

The Chinese pair displayed immaculate performance and clawed its way to the final showdown of the 2012 Moscow Grand Slam. Xue-Zhang Xi overcame the top rivals Misty May-Treanor-Kerri Walsh from America and finished on the podium. They held off US pair for 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) victory in the final match on Monday, June 11.

Overall, Xue-Zhang Xi collect 12th FIVB title and their third gold this year.

To read more about the final day matches, please visit the following link: http://www.fivb.org/en/BeachVolleyball/viewPressRelease.asp?No=35195&Language=en

Bulgarian coach Stoychev and player Kaziyski quit the team – Volleyball News

Shocking news hit the block as Bulgarian Volleyball Federation received resignation from head coach Radostin Stoychev and star player Matey Kaziyski on Monday. 

Both of them cited lack of effectiveness and non transparency in the operations of Bulgarian Volleyball Federation. They announced their decision to leave the team at a crucial time when Bulgaria earned an Olympic berth just recently. 

Stoychev had clashes with federation Chief Dancho Lazarov and opened declared that they cannot work together. However, Lazrov did not show any intent to step down but Stoychev made the final choice for him. He said, "Since there has been no resignation tabled by Dancho Lazarov so far, I confirm that I am undertaking action to end my contract as national volleyball team coach.”

On the other hand, Kaziyski was unhappy with the federation and players of the team. He stated, “I cannot work with these people (the federation), hence my decision to quit.” 

However, the Federation has refrained to say anything about the resignations so far.

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