Brazil claims seventh FIVB World Grand Prix title

(BEIJING, July 13) -- In the final match of the FIVB World Grand Prix 2008, world No.1 Brazil downed Japan in three straight sets at Yokohama Arena on July 13 to win its seventh Grand Prix title. The 25-23, 25-23, 25-19 win over Japan ensured that Brazil remained the only undefeated team in the final round.

Host Japan started off well in the first set and led 8-7 at the first technical time-out (TTO) in front of a home crowd of 12,500. But Brazil fought back and got ahead 16-11 at the second TTO. Through powerful attacks and good defense, Brazil grabbed the set point to close it out 25-23.

Leading 4-3, Japan had another good start in the second set. But Brazil again came back to lead 8-6 at the first TTO and increased the lead to 16-11 at the second TTO. The Japanese strengthened their attacks and narrowed the gap to 24-22, but Brazil's Sheilla Castro helped her team end the set 25-23.

At the third set, Japan continued its trend of putting strong pressure on Brazil and led 8-6 at the first TTO. Brazil mounted a comeback and went ahead 12-11 with the help of Castro, controlling the rhythm of the rest of the set to the 25-19 end.

Brazil had previously won the Grand Prix title in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2005 and 2006.