China posed some problems, but World No. 3 Brazil elevated its game and came away with the win in the FIVB Men’s World Championship Sunday, Sept. 14.
Brazil mixed it up a bit in the fourth set and plucked Henrique Honorato from the bench.
Honorato proved to be the difference-maker as the World No. 3 squad thwarted China, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-21, in the FIVB Men’s World Championship at the MOA Arena Sunday, Sept. 14.
The 28-year-old only poured four points, but those turned out to be impactful after his last — a sharp crosscourt attack — gave the Brazilians a 17-14 lead in the fourth.
They were in control from there.
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It was Arthur Bento, however, who topscored for Brazil with 17, built on 15 attacks, a block and an ace.
His seven points in the second frame allowed Brazil to flip the script after dropping the opening frame.
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Alan Souza tries to get past China's triple block in the FIVB Men’s World Championship Sunday, Sept. 14. | Photo: Volleyball World
Asked what made the difference for Brazil after a sloppy first set, Arthur said it was patience leading to better decision making.
“I think we started thinking about more patience during our attacks and also our decision making,” Arthur said.
“I think in the first set, we lost many balls for bad decision making or being less patient. They were defending very well and blocking very well.”
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Judson Amabel Nunes da Cunha Jr rifled in 14 points, while Alan Souza added 13 points.
Ricardo Lucarelli Souza and Flavio Gualberto logged 10 points each for the Brazilians, who squandered the first match point before China committed a costly mistake to end it.
“I think in the second, third and fourth sets, we could better our decision making and go with the victory,” Arthur said.
Meanwhile, Shikun Peng led China with 12 points, highlighted by three blocks.
Libin Liu added 10 points.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.