Dmitry Volkov
The powerful serves of Russia, led by a tournament-high six by Pavel Pankov, proved to be the big difference in this match. The Russians out-blocked the Cubans 9-1 and held a slight advantage in the blocking charts of 13-11.
Victor Poletaev paced the offense of the winning side with 21 points, including two blocks and one ace, while Dmitry Volkov and Maxim Troynin added 14 and 11 respectively. Pankov tallied ten points.
Luis Jimeno was best scorer of Cuba with 18 points, all via spikes, while Felix Chapman and Osmani Uriarte each chipped in with 9 points. Osniel Rendon had eight points in the losing effort.
While Russia play Iran in the semifinals, Cuba dropped to a 5-8 positions match against Argentina, loser to Iran.
To read more news from this competition click Youth World Championship 2013 M.
