The host of the Volleyball World Championship – the Philippines, who will participate in such a forum for the first time, started successfully in their warm-up matches. On September 6, the Asians defeated Romania 3:0 sets (25:23, 32:30, 27:25), and subsequently, the Romanians took the additional fourth set with 25:23 by agreement between the coaching staffs.
Particular attention was drawn to the name of the middle blocker Bela Barta, playing for the Italian champion – Trento, who is the leader of the Romanian team. Also there is the son of the former Bulgarian national player Radostina Gradeva-Chitigoi, Daniel, who from this season will play for the Polish club SKRA Belchatow.
The coach of "Alas Pilipinas" is Angiolino Frigoni, a world champion as part of the Italy 1990 staff. The star of the Philippines is the outside hitter Bryan Bagunas, who from this season will wear the jersey of the Japanese Osaka Bluteon, which finished third in the championship. The Filipinos held a training camp in three countries - Morocco, Romania and Portugal, before returning home.
| Set | Philippines | Romania |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 | 23 |
| 2 | 32 | 30 |
| 3 | 27 | 25 |
| Additional | 23 | 25 |
All sets were decided by a minimal difference of 1-2 points, which speaks of an evenly matched game. Despite the defeat, the Romanians showed character and managed to take the last set.
Romania's Schedule at the World Championship
September 13: vs. Poland
September 15: vs. Netherlands
September 17: vs. Qatar
Philippines' Schedule at the World ChampionshipDate Opponent Time (local time, Manila) Venue September 12 (Friday) Tunisia 19:00 SM Mall of Asia Arena September 16 (Tuesday) Egypt 17:30 SM Mall of Asia Arena September 18 (Thursday) Iran 17:30 SM Mall of Asia Arena
photos: FRV and PNVF
