Brazil veterans Walewska and Carol Gattaz return for Grand Champions Cup

(Volleyball Techniques For Beginners)

Saquarema, Brazil, October 31, 2013 — The Brazilian women's volleyball team have begun their preparations for the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup, which will take place in Japan from November 12 to 17. 

Returning to the team are two old faces – Walewska Oliveira and Carol Gattaz – who responded to a request from coach Jose Roberto Guimaraes to join the squad. Along with the 12 other players, the two veterans are readapting to life in the Aryzão, the Centre of Volleyball Development in Saquarema, Brazil, and want to help Brazil win their fifth title of the year.

The Brazilian team that will compete in the World Grand Champions Cup consists of setters Claudinha and Fabiola, central blockers Adenízia, Fabiana, Carol Gattaz and Walewska, spikers Fernanda Garay, Natalia, Michelle and Tandara, opposites Sheilla and Monique and liberos Camila Brait and Fabi.

The World Grand Champions Cup will be played in the cities of Nagoya and Tokyo, and Brazil will be up against the United States, Thailand, Japan, Russia and the Dominican Republic. Brazil won gold in 2005 and silver in 2009. This year, Brazil have competed in four major competitions – tournaments in Alassio and Montreux, the FIVB World Grand Prix and the South American Championship – and won them all.

Brazil coach Ze Roberto keeps his eye on Carol Gattaz during preparations
for the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup

For coach Ze Roberto, the return of the two central blockers will be important to give the squad some balance as they are missing Thaísa, Juciely and Gabi due to injuries.

“I want to rotate the players because they are having to compete in many championships,” the coach said. “The players are overloaded, so the idea is to rotate the team.

“Walewska has a strong link with the national team. She accepted to return for a short tournament that won’t need too much preparation time in order to help replace some important players. She's always been a very supportive player. Most important is the experience we’ll gain. Players like Walewska and Carol Gattaz are important to have as standards for the younger players to live up to.”

On returning to the national team, Olympic gold medallist Walewska says she is taking things one day at a time.

“It’s a really positive thing for me but I'm still readjusting,” she says. “A lot has changed in Aryzão. Five years have passed since my last game for the national team. I never thought about returning, but after Zé’s request, I reconsidered my position and decided to think about. First, I will play in the World Grand Champions Cup and afterwards take it from there.”

Carol Gattaz, who last played in the 2010 World Cup, says coming back is a great achievement.

“It’s a dream to be back,” she admitted. “I had some physical problems for some time but this year I have been very focused and I think I have been rewarded for my dedication. I still have a great desire to represent my country and want to help the squad.”

Ze Roberto realises winning a fifth tournament this year will be a tough challenge.

“It’s going to take some work to win against all our opponents,” he stressed. “We’ll be up against continental champions, with the exception of the Dominican Republic, who are still tough opponents and have a Brazilian coach. Japan is always a tricky game with their defence and technique, while Asian champions Thailand always make opposing teams work hard. Then you have the United States and Russia, who are the strongest teams in the competition.”

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Second Champions Cup appearance for Dominican Republic

(Volleyball Techniques For Beginners)

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 27, 2013 – The Dominican Republic will be making their second appearance at the FIVB Women’s Grand Champions Cup when the competition serves off from November 12-17 in the cities of Nagoya and Japan.

In 2009, the first year under Brazilian coach Marcos Kwiek and as NORCECA Champions, they claimed the bronze medal for the biggest achievement thus far of a senior Dominican Republic’s team in an FIVB competition.

The Dominicans booked their ticket to the quadrennial event as the world best-ranked continental vice champions with the highest ranking at the last Olympic Games among non-qualified teams.

The Dominican Republic team finished second at the NORCECA Continental Championship held in Omaha, United States. They lost to the United States in four sets (25-19, 26-24, 21-25, 25-19) in the title’s contest.

The Dominican women's team had a 6-3 win-loss record
 at this year's FIVB World Grand Prix

The team consists of outside hitters Bethania De la Cruz, Prisilla Rivera, Brayelin Martinez and Yonkaira Peña, middle blockers Annerys Vargas, Candida Arias and Marianne Fersola and opposites Gina Mambru and Jeoselyna Rodriguez. The setters are Niverka Marte and Karla Echenique, the defensive specialist Ana Binet and liberos Brenda Castillo and Winifer Fernandez.

Kwiek will be assisted by countryman Wagner Pacheco and the Dominican Wilson Sanchez. Christian Cruz is the team manager and Yeivic Jimenez is the statistician. Milciades Albert is the team doctor with Cesar Villalona as therapist.

They will make an early arrival in Japan on November 2 with their roster of 14 players for a training base in Osaka at the facilities of Torray Arrows Club.

Currently world No. 8 in the rankings, the Dominican Republic will play world No. 12 Thailand in the opening match of the tournament on November 12 at 12:00 local time at Nippongaishi Hall in Nagoya. They will face the No. 6 Russia on November 13.

After a travel day, the Dominicans meet Olympic champions and world’s top ranked Brazil on November 15 at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, to conclude the round-robin tournament with matches against hosts Japan (No. 3) and United States (No. 2).

Besides their silver medal at NORCECA Continental Tournament, the Dominican team also finished second to the USA team at the Women’s Pan American Cup held in Peru. They also took the bronze medal at the Montreux Volley Masters and at the Boris Yeltsin Cup.

In this year’s FIVB World Grand Prix, the Dominican Republic concluded with an overall win-loss record of 6-3 good for 10th place among 20 participating teams. They twice defeated Puerto Rico while scoring single victories over Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Italy and Algeria.

“We have had a very good year in 2013 with the addition of players from the junior ranks who are solidifying the structure of our team,” Kwiek said. “Now we are optimistic about our chances of a top-three position at the Grand Champions Cup which will be a good way to cap the year.”

Japan has hosted every edition of the FIVB Women’s Grand Champions Cup, since its inception in 1993.

Unlike the men’s competition, the FIVB Women’s World Grand Champions Cup has had a different winner for each of its five previous editions. Cuba won the inaugural event in 1993, followed by Russia (1997), China (2001), Brazil (2005) and Italy (2009).

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Stéphane Antiga appointed new Poland men’s coach

(Volleyball Techniques For Beginners)

Warsaw, Poland, October 28, 2013 -  The Poland Volleyball Federation announced former French international Stéphane Antiga as the new coach of its men’s national team for the three next years on Saturday.

The declaration comes less than one year before the Poland Volleyball Federation hosts the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship 2014, which will run from September 3 to 21.

Antiga was unveiled as Italian Andrea Anastasi's replacement at a press conference held at the Volley Bajka restaurant in Poland’s capital city.

"I feel very honored to be given the opportunity to work with the Polish national team," Antiga, 37, said. "This role is something new for me and even though I assume that this appointment is a major surprise for all of you, I am very pleased. We have a lot of hard work to do to qualify for the Final Round of the 2015 European Championship first and then to perform well at the FIVB Men's World Championship. This event taking place here in Poland is approaching very fast. I will try to put together a very solid group including all players who will be available for the national team. The most important things I will insist on are mutual respect, trust, communication, and – above all – hard work." 

Volleyball Techniques For Beginner -  new Poland men’s coach

"I did not expect that the appointment of our head coach would spark so much interest amongst the media," Poland Volleyball Federation President Miroslaw Przedpelski said. "I think this is a good way to start with what I have nicknamed the "Antiga plan". His appointment as head coach of our national team is a very good idea that is going to be beneficial for the players, the clubs, and everyone who is working for the good of volleyball. With this change we will make sure that we can achieve the best possible result at next year’s FIVB Volleyball World Championship here in Poland. 

"We have signed a contract for three years and already discussed the key items of our cooperation. Now we only need to discuss a few minor details, something that we will complete in the next couple of days," added Mr Przedpelski, who presented Antiga with a special jersey of the national team featuring the words "Antiga coach". 

Antiga will continue to play for Poland’s multiple champions PGE Skra Belchatow up to the end of the current season and so will cross paths with many players he will mentor in the national team. "It will be an unusual situation but I think this will add some extra motivation to the players," Antiga said. "As for my current colleagues at PGE Skra, this appointment was a huge surprise."

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Nigeria and Niger clinch tickets to the final round of Men's World Champs Qualifier

(Volleyball Techniques For Beginners)

Niamey, Niger, October 27, 2013 – Nigeria’s men's volleyball team claimed the gold medal at the 2014 FIVB Men's World Championship Zone 3 (Pool O) qualification tournament after defeating  Burkina Faso 3-0 (28-26, 25-20, 25-11) on the third and final day of the qualifier held in Niamey, Niger on Thursday.

Nigeria finished the four nation tournament with a clean sheet of 3-0 with nine points, while Burkina dropped to 0-3 to finish fourth.

Niger men's team upset Ghana to qualify to the finals of World Championship qualifier

The Niger team claimed a crucial victory against the experienced Ghana team in an epic tiebreaker 3-2 (25-22, 17-25, 25-14, 14-25, 15-9) to join Nigeria in the final round of qualification tournaments to be held in January and February 2014.

Niger improved their win-loss ratio to 2-1 with 5 points, while Ghana dropped to 1-2 with 4 points.

Nigeria will be grouped in Pool 1 of the finals to be held in Cameroon, while Niger will join Pool 3 in Tunisia. 

Results

Day 1

Ghana v Burkina 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-10)

Nigeria v Niger   3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-22)

Day 2

Nigeria v Ghana 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 29-27, 25-21)

Niger v Burkina Faso 3-1 (27-25, 16-25, 25-11, 25-11)

Day 3

Nigeria v Burkina Faso 3-0 (28-26, 25-20, 25-11)

Niger v Ghana 3-2 (25-22, 17-25, 25-14, 14-25, 15-9)

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China and Japan face off for women’s gold at East Asiann Games

Tianjin, China, October 11, 2013 -- China and Japan will duel at the finals after beating their respective opponents Hong Kong and DPR Korea at the semifinals of the women’s volleyball tournament at the 6th East Asian Games at Nankai University Sports Center on Friday.

China vs. Hong Kong 3-0

China romped past Hong Kong in straight sets 3-0 (25-7, 25-14, 25-15) to enter the finals in the first semi-final encounter. 

From the beginning of the match, China established control and allowed containable offensive successes by Hong Kong. The Chinese players used all the power through lethal spikes, the service and blocks to stop any attempt for Hong Kong, letting their opponents gain only seven points in the first set.

Hong Kong did their best to resist, and managed to keep positive poise in the second and third set. Despite putting up a brave fight, Hong Kong still proved no match against the much stronger and taller rivals. China geared up for an undisputed 25-14 and 25-15 win and alos the match in just one hour.

Wang Yunlu scored 15 points, including 11 kills and four blocks for China to lead the game while Wang Ning added 10. Captain Yeung Sau Mei led the Hong Kong team with nine killing points.

China held a 13-2 advantage in blocks with Wang Yunlu and Wang Ning registering four apiece. China scored 13 points in serving against Hong Kong’s two. The host also kept the upper hand in attacking with 39 wins to 20.

DPR Korea vs. Japan 1-3

China is to challenge Japan, who took almost two hours to rally from the first set down to beat DPR Korea 3-1 (19-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-21) in the second semi-final match.

DPR Korea started the match with a highly spirited performance and strongly with lethal spikes from both wings by Ri Pom Hui with six hitting winners, and Jong Jin Sim and Kim Un Jong both with three points in attacking, taking a stress-free 1-0 set lead (25-19).  

Jong Jin Sim (3), DPR Korean best spiker, manage to beat Japan’s double block

Japan took advantage of DPR Korean four serving errors to lead 8-4 at the first technical time-out of the second set. They mixed the splendid offensive combination of devastating cross-court attacks by Imamura Yuka and Matsuzaki Mika with the effective blocking from Takahashi Masami to lead all the way to win the set 25-21 without much trouble.

Japan got ahead at the start of the third set, to lead 8-6 and widen the gap to 16-11, but six powerful attacks by Jong and Ri pulled DPR Korea back at 21-21, only to see their opponents respond with two blocks and two hitting, clinching the set 25-21.

Japan took a slight lead 8-7 at the first stop and 16-15 in the second of the fourth set. Imamura Yuka hit successfully twice giving Japan a two-point lead at 19-17, forcing DPR Korean head coach Kang Ok Sun call their first time-out, which proved to no avail. Sun then called a second timeout as her team was 23-20 behind. However, Japan went on to take the fourth set 25-17 with spiking from Imamura Yuni, to win the game.

from (fivb.org)

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Chinese Taipei challenge Korea, Japan up against China in semis of men’s volleyball at East Asian Games

Tianjin, China, October 11, 2013 - The preliminary round of the men’s volleyball came to an end here Friday after Japan and Chinese Taipei defeated Hong Kong and Korea at the East Asian Games.

In Friday's action, Japan repelled an early challenge from Hong Kong to run away with straight-set victory 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-16) against their opponents, while Chinese Taipei cruised past Korea 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-15) without much trouble.

In Saturday’s semi-finals, Chinese Taipei will challenge Korea and Japan will meet China.

Japan vs. Hong Kong 3-0

Japan got off to a smooth start with a comfortable 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-16) victory over Hong Kong in just one hour. Japan’s commanding control and consistency in attack, block and serve outclassed the perplexed Hong Kong side. The Japanese had nine blocks and five ace serves against one block from Hong Kong. In attacking Japan held a 33-25 advantage, and also with fewer errors 17-28.

Japan seemed ready to blow Hong Kong away when Japan gained an early lead at 8-4 in the first set and extended the advantage to 16-8 and 21-12 behind the strong spiking and blocking from big hitter of Japan Fushimi Yamato. With the Japanese overpowering at the net, Japan won the set 25-13.

Poor reception and attacking of Hong Kong caused them dear in the second set when Japan took command to lead with a wide margin 8-5, 16-9, 24-14 before Fushimi Yamato blocked a thundering spiking by Chan Alex Chi Wai, who was the best scorer for Hong Kong with 12 points, andJapan snatched the comfortable set 25-14.

Hong Kong kept things close early in the third set and they even led at 8-7 and were within three points of Japan at the second timeout. Two thumping spikes by Yamada Shuzo, two service aces, and a brilliant block by Fushimi Shuzo stretched the gap to eight points at 24-16 before a serving error handing the set to their rivals 25-16.

Chinese Taipei vs. Korea 3-0

Formidable Chinese Taipei, the only team unbeaten in the preliminary round, proved too strong for the Korean team as they completelydemolished Korea in one-sided contest 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-15.)

Immediately after the match went into action, Chinese Taipei looked determined and kept Korea at bay as they were more defensively and offensively sound team that limited Korea to operate their plays at the minimum.

Huang Chien Feng, best scorer of Chinese Taipei,
spike against blocking from Park Daeung (7) and Ahn Woojae

 The fast offence of the Chinese Taipei side and their blockings were keys for the victory, as they were able to neutralize the power of Korea. Huang Chien Feng and Wang Ming Chun were the main offensive weapons for Chinese Taipei with 20 and 12 points, respectively. Chinese Taipei's blocking game also produced 15 points, six from Chuang Shao Chien, five from Huang and three from Wang.

Chinese Taipei made a bright start to the opening set, taking a 8-2 and 16-8 in the two technical time-outs. Then Huang, Tai Chia and Wang attacked and blocked to help the Chinese Taipei move 22-14 in front before Huang produced a solo blocking to close the set at 25-14.

The situation did not change at all in the second and third set. Chinese Taipei quickly took a big lead behind some fierce spikes. Huang shone again in the second set and third set, helping his team to win easily at 25-17 and 25-15.

from (fivb.org)

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Vakifbank Istanbul clinch final spot with impressive win over Guangdong Evergrande

Zurich, Switzerland, October 12, 2013 – Vakifbank Istanbul claimed their 51th consecutive win by sweeping China’s Guangdong Evergrande in Saturday’s first semi-final clash at 2013 FIVB Women’s Club World Champs in Zurich, Switzerland. Giovanni Guidetti’s squad overpowered the Asian champions in straight sets 28-26, 25-15, 25-20. In Sunday’s gold medal match, the Turks will take on the winner of Volero Zurich versus Unilever Volei from Brazil.

Ting Zhu was the best scorer of the match with 18 points. Istanbul’s Jovana Brakocevic booked 16 kills for her side. Vakifbank kept the upper hand in blocking (8-6) and serving (5-1).

Ting Zhu got in a couple of good shots as Guangdong Evergrande moved into an 8-5 lead at the first technical timeout. The Chinese, who have not had their best day versus Volero on Thursday, kick started into the semi-final duel, putting a lot of pressure on the Turkish spikers. Guidetti’s squad managed to rally back to 13-13, but China kept the upper hand until 16-14. Setter Jingsi Shen repeatedly counted on her fast middle blockers and powerful wing spikers Ting Zhu and captain Ruoqi Hui. However, a Christiane Fürst block kill and a diagonal winner from super star Jovana Brakocevic turned the tables at 20-19. It was a roller coaster set with both teams displaying fantastic volleyball in Zurich’s Saalsporthalle. At 27-26, Brakocevic seized the third chance for the set win as she hammered the Mikasa down to make it 28-26 and 1:0 for Turkey.

Vakifbank Istanbul celebrate their 51th consecutive win
by sweeping China’s Guangdong Evergrande 3:0 in Saturday's first semi-final

Vakifbank Istanbul kept momentum early in the second period, sending their shocked opponents 8-2 into the first technical timeout. The Chinese had lost their focus, acting with less determination and precision. On the other side, the Turks showed great technical discipline. At the second technical break, Istanbul had already extended their lead to six points. It was a one-way game now with the Europeans moving the scoreboard progressively forward. Brakocevic brought up set ball at 24-15 before a Güldeniz ace ended the second set 25-15 in Vakifbank’s favour.

China regained momentum early in the third set. A 12-7 lead was – however – not good enough to pull through. Turkey bounced back to 17-17 and retook command in the crucial phase of the set. Especially the Turkish block-defense system worked regular as Swiss clockwork in that stage of the match. Brakocevic and her teammates rushed to a 22-20 lead and never looked back until 25-20.

from (fivb.org)

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I am proud of my team, says Istanbul captain Gözde

Zurich, Switzerland, October 12, 2013 – European champions Vakifbank Istanbul booked their ticket for Sunday’s gold medal match at 2013 FIVB Women’s Club World Champs by defeating Guangdong Evergrande in straight sets (28-26, 25-15, 25-20). It was a dramatic, high-class duel, especially in the first set.

Vakifbank Istanbul coach Giovanni Guidetti: “It was a tough match today with China playing much better than in their pool games. Nevertheless, my team found excellent solutions to counter the strong Chinese offense. My players kept calm in the crucial phases of the duel. We trusted in our strength.”

It is a special feeling to celebrate the 51th consecutive win, says Gözde.
However, it is not over yet. Playing the gold medal match
means playing for the top of the podium.

Vakifbank Istanbul captain Gözde Kirdar Sonsirma: “I am proud of my team. We played on a very high level today. It is a special feeling to celebrate the 51th consecutive win. However, it is not over yet. Playing the gold medal match means playing for the top of the podium. We will give everything we have in Sunday’s match against the winner of Volero Zurich and Unilever Volei.”

Guangdong Evergrande coach Lang Ping: “We played really well today. As we had an injury, Megan Hodge had to play as opposite, a position she isn’t used to. I don’t think that losing the first set caused mental problems for my players. You can’t beat a strong team as Vakifbank Istanbul if you don’t have a completely healthy roster. I don’t put too many foreigners on the court for now as the setter doesn’t know them well. Nevertheless, my player worked really hard today.”

Guangdong Evergrande captain Ruoqi Hui: “This game was the best of our whole tournament. However, Vakifbank Istanbul was the better team even if we had good opportunities in all three sets. They played very well defensively and we struggled too much at the end of the first set. Vakifbank Istanbul have more experience than we have.”

from (fivb.org)

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Unilever Volei book second final ticket by sweeping host Volero Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland, October 12, 2013 – Unilever Volei secured the second final ticket by sweeping host Volero Zurich in straight sets 25-23, 25-20, 25-16. The Brazilians take on Vakifbank Istanbul in Sunday’s gold medal match (17.00 local time) of the 2013 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich and Guangdong Evergrande battle for bronze (14.00).

Sarah Pavan scored 18 points for Unilever Volei while middle blockers Juciely and Carol had 13 each. For Zurich, Olesia Rykhliuk top-scored with 11 points. The Brazilians had 14 successful blocks, Volero only 8.

The hosts had the advantage in the early stages of the match, cruising into a 16-11 lead at the second technical timeout before Unilever fought back with some great defence that set up a good finish for middle blocker Juciely. A block winner and a successful spike by Sarah Pavan saw Brazil go two points ahead at 22-20 and that was too much for Zurich to overcome. Volero closed to 22-23 before Pavan, again, spiked set point and Juciely hammered the ball down to end the opening set 25-23 in Unilever’s favour.

The South American champions from Unilever Volei proved too strong
for host Volero in Saturday's second semi-final

Volero’s prominent wing spikers Natasa Osmokrovic (2 points) and Kenia Carcaces (3) had little influence in the first set. Brazilian middle blocker Carol slammed down the Mikasa and made a good block on Olesia Rykhliuk as Unilever streaked into a 7-4 lead in the second set. The Swiss bounced back to 8-8 but saw their opponents rally to a four-point lead at 13-9 with Brankica Mihajlovic sending a couple of rocket serves to the other side. At the second technical break, the South American already led 16-10. Pavan delivered a well-timed shot that helped move the Brazilians into a seven-point lead at 19-12 and they never really looked in danger after that. Juciely brought set point and Nneka Onyejekwe sent her shot long to end the set 25-20 for Unilever.

The story of the match did not change in the third and last set. The hosts struggled with passing and missed a power hitter who scored in difficult situations. On the other hand, Sarah Pavan and middle blockers Juciely and Carol led the Brazilians with blistering winners to an undisputed 25-16 set and 3:0 

from (fivb.org)

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The first set was fundamental for our victory, says Unilever captain Fofão

Zurich, Switzerland, October 12, 2013 – The South American champions from Unilever Volei proved too strong for host Volero Zurich in Saturday's second semi-final at 2013 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship in Zurich, Switzerland. The team of coach Bernardinho dashed Volero’s hopes for a gold medal match ticket in front of their home crowd. 

Unilever Volei coach Bernardo Rocha de Rezende: “We forced Zurich to commit many errors. Brankica Mihajlovic and Sarah Pavan did a great job today. Nevertheless, the final game is another story. We need to get a 100% of concentration for tomorrow. Vakifbank Istanbul certainly is a strong team. We have to commit fewer errors than in the last games; otherwise we will pay a high price. I think there’s more pressure on our opponents than on our team. Mental aspects may make the difference.”

Unilever Volei captain Fofão: “Today’s game was very important for us. We knew that it would be hard against Volero as they played in front of their home crowd. However, we believed in our strength and worked hard for each other. The first set was fundamental for our victory but most of all it was important to hold the pace high. Our block-defence system and our transition game has to work well tomorrow if we want to win against Vakifbank.”

Coach Bernardo Rocha de Rezende enjoy their straight-set win versus Volero Zurich

Volero Zurich coach Jan de Brandt: “Congratulations to Brazil and congratulations to Sarah Pavan, she played an excellent match tonight. We could not control her, neither their first tempo spikers. Regarding our game, we have to play faster. I tried to help with some substitutions but it did not help.”

Volero Zurich captain Nneka Onyejekwe: “We started well but suddenly lost focus. Brazil played an excellent match, especially in block-defence and with strong serving. We did our best to bounce back but could not find suitable solutions to overcome their strong blockers.”

from (fivb.org)

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