Korea picked up its first win of the 2012 FIVB Volleyball World League on Sunday as it edged Italy 3-2 (22-25, 24-26, 26-24, 25-15, 15-11) in Lyon, France. Korea had lost five matches in a row before the game against Italy.
It was also Korea’s first win over the European country in 20 years, according to the Korea Volleyball Association.
Korea suffered a 22-game losing streak against Italy after beating the country in the 1992 World League.
In the match Sunday, Kim Jeong-hwan scored 23 points, the most among the players of both teams. Kim joined the national team for the league on behalf of Kim Yo-han, who is now in rehabilitation after the Olympic qualification round. Korea failed to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics in men’s volleyball.
According to the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), Italy started well with a six point advantage, but setter Han Sun-soo came onto the court and helped his side garner seven points in a row. However, the late fight back was stymied when Sabbi Giulio grabbed his team the lead.
Park Chul-woo of Korea spikes against Italy on Sunday. (FIVB)
Korea gained a two-point advantage in the second set. Han put them within just two points of a set win, but Italy turned the screw and clinched the set. Italy carried their momentum into the third. But a block from Song Myung-geun turned things around as Korea wrestled for control before taking the set and giving themselves a ray of hope.
Korea maintained the same rhythm in the fourth. A block from Lee Kang-joo, then an ace from Song Myung-geun extended the lead before Korea drew even and took the match to a tie-breaker.
Italy took the early lead in the fifth, but Korea fought back, taking a three-point lead at 13-10. A serving fault by Michele Baranowicz then gave Korea the win.
“We made many changes in the team and I’m satisfied that players did their best today,” said captain Kwon Young-min, the FIVB reported.
“We have very bad conditions with players injured for this weekend. I’m very happy with this win against Italy. Maybe one or two players will enter the team in Korea for the next round,” said Korea coach Park Ki-won.
Established in 1990, the FIVB Volleball World League is the premier annual men’s international volleyball tournament. This year’s tournament runs from May 18-July 1 across 16 countries. Russia is the defending champion.
In the World League, Korea placed 10th in 2006, ninth in 2007, 13th in 2008, 14th in 2009, 16th in 2010 and 13th in 2011.
Korea is scheduled to have its next match against France in Gwangju on June 22.
By Chun Sung-woo (swchun@heraldm.com)
koreaherald@heraldcorp.com
