Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 25, 2015 – Russia won Clash of the Titans against Brazil 3-1 (26-24, 17-25, 25-16, 25-21) in Day two of Men's U23 World Championship at Al Ahli Club, on Tuesday. With this victory, Russia gained their second victory in a row, while Brazil is 1-1 after two games.
Alexander Kimerov, who succeed 19 of his 36 spike attempts, scored 20 points for Russia and Egor Kliuka helped him with 19 points. Brazil’s best scorer was Alan Souza with 19 points.
Both teams started the game very efficient on the net. Egor Kliuka of Russia and Alan Souza of Brazil were the main attacking weapons. Brazil, champion of the last edition, and Russia, third placed team in 2013, came together at 23-all. After tough rallies, Russia’s Sergei Nikitin finished the set 26-24 with a killing spike.
Clash of the Titans continued during the second set. After 8-all, Brazil’s Douglas Souza took over the control with his serves and made it 12-8. Russia could not be able to change the game from this point and Brazil won the set 25-17.
Despite losing second set with a big margin, Russia led 5-1 at the beginning of the third, thanks to Kliuka’s serves. European team did not let defending champion to reduce the gap till the end and won the set 25-16.
Russia’s opposite Alexander Kimerov showed his potential both in attacking and defending on the net helped his team to lead during the fourth set. Brazil’s effort reduced the gap from four points (19-15) to one point (21-20) but Russia eventually won the set 25-21.