Russia beat Cuba in nailbiting volleyball tie

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Sydney: Russia advanced to the final four of the Olympic men's volleyball tournament on Wednesday after a five-set nailbiter with Cuba that had Russian coach Genadi Chipolin jumping out of his shoes.

What was perhaps the most hotly contested match of the volleyball competition ended on a subdued note when Angel Dennis floated his serve into the net to give Russia a 21-25, 25-23, 25-19, 19-25, 15-13 win.

While his Cuban team-mates attempted to lift a distraught Dennis off the floor, his hands covering his face, the Russian team erupted in wild celebration.

Chipolin somersaulted out of his chair and leapt into the air, losing his shoes. ''To win a medal is worth losing your shoes over,'' smiled Chipolin. ''To lose your shoes is nothing, it is more important as a coach not to lose your head. This game will leave a mark on my heart for a long time.''

It will probably also leave a scar on many of the Cubans, who were devastated as they slumped off the floor, having let another opportunity at a medal slip through their fingers.

With the match even at two sets apiece and Russia leading the rubber 8-3, Cuba staged a dazzling comeback to take a 11-10 lead in the fifth. The lead changed hands in the few remaining points, before Dennis finally settled the issue with his failed serve.

Opposing Russia in Friday's semi-finals will be Argentina, who dropped the opening set to Brazil, then rallied to down the 1992 Olympic champions 17-25, 25-21, 25-19, 27-25.

Italy received their first scare of the tournament when Australia stole a set from the three times World Champions, who then quickly recovered to record a convincing 25-14, 22-25, 25-19, 25-15 quarter-final win.

In the semi-finals, Italy will play the winners of the Netherlands-Yugoslavia match being held later on Wednesday evening.



(c) Reuters Limited.