Sir Sikouma Perugia produced a dominant display to defeat Itambi Minas in straight sets 25-13, 25-21, 25-19 to win the FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship title at the Koramangala Indoor Arena here on Sunday.
Full Semenyuk of Sicoma Perugia in action | Image source: Sudhakara Jain/The Hindu
Kamil Semenyuk began Sicoma’s actions with an angular spike into the empty space of Minas. With a series of serving errors, the Brazilian team continued to lose points. Jesus Herrera Jaime’s soaring across the pitch was followed by a standing ovation from the crowd. Sicoma captain Wilfredo Leon, despite sitting on the bench, caught the crowd’s attention during the first set with chants of “We want Leon.” Minas lost by 12 points in the first group, despite attempts by Paulo Vinicius and Michael Sanchez to revive the team.
Minas’ Gustavo Andre Orlando started the second set with an attack in the center court in the vacant spot for Sicoma. Sikouma’s complacent attitude seemed to get the better of them at the start of the second set as they sought a comeback. Semenyuk’s surge provided the Italian side with a much-needed comeback into the game at 19-18. Minas gave up a big lead as Sicoma took a 25-21 lead.
To get a better view of their favorite players, fans took to the floor in the stand, and they were not disappointed as the Italian team provided the required entertainment.
Read also | FIVB Men’s Club World Championship: Sikouma is a step away from defending the title, and faces Itambi Minas in the Fina
The choppy start of the third set was quickly replaced by Sicoma’s dominance after a Flavio Resende Gualberto block as the score was 12-9. With the good combination of the Italian team’s attackers and defenders, Minas did not have much of a chance to beat the ball. Jimmy Spike sealed the deal with a score of 25-19 for Sicoma, who gathered together for the celebrations. After Sicoma coach Angelo Lorenzetti was lifted by his team, the defending champions lifted the trophy amid a shower of confetti.
Earlier in the day, Dmitry Muserskiy had magic as Suntory Sunbirds defeated Halkbankspor Kolobo in a five-set thriller 17-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-12 to win the bronze medal.
results:
The final was won by Sir Sikouma Perugia over Itambi Minas 25-13, 25-21, 25-19.
3rd Place – Suntory Sunbirds beat Halkbankspor Kolubo 17-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-12 Prize Winners
Individual awards
Best Outside Hitter – Oleh Plotniski from Sir Safety Perugia
Best outside hitter – Marcos Vinicius Evangelista Coelho from Itambi Minas
Best Middle Blocker – Sebastian Sol from Sir Safety Perugia
Best Middle Blocker – Renan Michelucci from Itambi Minas
Best Free Player – Mike Reyes Nascimento from Itambi Minas
Best Setter – Simone Giannelli from Sir Safety Perugia
Best Opposite Hitter – Dmitry Musersky of Suntory Sunbirds
Most Valuable Player – Oleh Plotnicki from Sir Safety Perugia