Umag, Croatia, June 23, 2013 – Brazil and Canada got people jumping up and down in their seats at the U21 World Championship final in Umag. Both teams gave away a big show with spectacular digs and explosive spikes, but it was Brazil’s Gustavo Carvalhaes and Allison Cittadin who claimed the gold in the end.
They defeated Grant O’Gorman and Aaron Nusbaum in two sets (21-12 23-21), just like they did in pool play on Friday. The boys from Brazil came all the way from the qualifications and for Allison Umag was his first international experience.
Man of the match was without a doubt defence player Guto Carvalhaes. He reeled in the first set for Brazil with spectacular digging, followed by aggressive and amazingly high attacks.
Three match points
In the second O’Gorman excelled with equal spectacular digs, the most spectacular one was a great save real close to the boarding which was succeeded with a spot on finish by his partner Nusbaum. The Canadians came back to 19-19 in the second set but it was Brazil who took the lead again. Canada was able to ward off two match points but again Guto Carvalhaes reeled in the gold at their third.
Allison was full of praise for his partner. “He is the best defender of this championship. He is the best partner in the world and also my best friend. I am very happy with this gold medal. We have worked very hard for this.”
The tall blocker loved the support in Umag. “There was a great atmosphere, the audience was great. The match was very exciting and spectacular.”
Asked about his future, Allison answered: “Right now I want to celebrate this gold medal and enjoy the moment. This is a unique moment in my career. Next year I will be 21 and after this event we will focus on the U23 Championships.
Bronze for Poland’s Kosiak and Rudol
Poland’s Maciej Kosiak and Maciej Rudol claimed the bronze medal after a 2-0 win (21-19 21-19) over Viacheslav Kirienko and Dmitry Uraikin. After losing the first the Russians came back strong with aggressive play in the second. They were leading from 6-6 but at 18-18 Poland levelled and went straight on to their first match point. On the second Rudol finished it off with a powerful spike.
The Polish boys were glad to put the lost semifinal against Brazil behind them. “It was a very hard and disappointing match. It was hard to get motivated for this match, but we did it”, Rudol said. Asked if he was happy with bronze he said: “After we lost the semifinal no, but after this match yes.”
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