China and Russia eliminated from Sitting Volleyball Worlds

After cruising through their pool undefeated, China’s men fell to Egypt in a closely fought contest over four sets.

China and Russia’s men’s teams were both shock losers in the first round of knockout matches at the 2014 Sitting Volleyball World Championships in Elblag, Poland, on Thursday (19 June) whilst USA and China maintained their 100 per cent records as the women’s pool stages concluded.

After cruising through their pool undefeated, China’s men fell to Egypt in a closely fought contest over four sets. Egypt took a commanding two set lead before China fought back, narrowly taking the third set 27-25.

However, they could not carry on this momentum and were easily brushed aside in the fourth and final set.

There was also a surprise when Russia, unbeaten in winning their pool, lost to Brazil in an enthralling five set match. Brazil took an early set lead, but were pegged back by Russia who won the next two. Victory was theirs for the taking, but Brazil produced a superb comeback to win the next two sets and claim victory.

Elsewhere, five-time Paralympic champions Iran easily saw off the challenge of Ukraine, beating them comfortably in three sets.

And current Paralympic champions Bosnia and Herzegovina dropped their first set of the tournament, but were still 3-1 winners over Germany.

Meanwhile, in the women’s tournament, USA beat Russia 3-1 to top pool A and China saw off the challenge of Japan to secure top spot in Pool B.

There were also victories for Great Britain, Slovenia, Brazil and The Netherlands, as the pool phase come to a close.