Russia ease into FIVB World Grand Prix second round

Russia’s women’s volleyball team have collected a 100-per-cent result in the first round of the FIVB World Grand Prix. ­Vladimir Kuzyutkin’s girls snatched a straight-set victory over Asian champs, Thailand, in the match for the first spot in Group B on Sunday, 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 27-25). "We expected straight-set win and we did it finally. However, I admit that Thailand are very strong. We tried to send everyone in our team to gain competition experience. We will have a tougher task next week," Vladimir Kuzyutkin, Russia's coach, told FIVB official website. Meanwhile, Thai  coach, Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai, stressed that despite the loss his team earned some very valuable experience in the game against the world champions. “Russia taught us volleyball lesson. We still have many things to learn from much stronger sides. Russia are very strong. They are world champions and played with exceptional tactics and techniques. Above all, they are much taller than my players. We suffered on blocking them as well as attacking the taller blockers. Their defense is good,” he said. Team Russia have bagged nine points after winning all of their three games in the opening round and giving just one set away to their opponents. Germany, Peru and host China are to become their rivals in the second round, with the action resuming on August 13.