Official Bulletin No. 11 January 2007 Edition in English FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE

Happy Italy to host Beach U21 New Year! World Championships Dear Reader, The 2007 SWATCH FIVB delighted to add another top international Beach Volleyball U21 World Volleyball event to the 2007 sporting cal- Less than a year endar in his country: ago, I introduced Championships will be held h th World Volley News from 4t -9 September 2007 in “I am happy that we have been able to as a new platform Modena, Italy. A total of 48 teams secure the continuity of world-class Beach for news in the per gender will compete for the Volleyball in Modena with the organisa- World Champion- world junior title and a wild card tion of the SWATCH FIVB World Cham- ship year. After pionships U21, which complements our returning from highly successful entry for a SWATCH FIVB World existing World Tour event in Roseto degli World Championships in Japan in Tour event in 2007 or 2008. Abruzzi. With Italy organising the final December, and the most success- round of the 2007 FIVB World League, ful World Congress in which the After welcoming the SWATCH FIVB World the country will become a focus for world solidarity of all National Volleyball Tour for the first time in 2006, Modena will Volleyball as we prepare to hold the FIVB Federations (196 present and rep- host the SWATCH FIVB World Champion- Men’s World Championship in 2010.” resented) granted me a mandate ships U21 from 4th-9th September 2007 to further reinforce our decisive as the beach once again comes to the city The FIVB is still open to receive candi- action worldwide, I was happy to that is famous as the home of Italy’s great datures to stage the 2007 SWATCH FIVB draw a positive conclusion to the sports car manufacturers. World Championships U19. year. The re-launch of this publication in time to provide in-depth previews of the World Championships was very important for me and I am happy to see that the new World Volley News has been widely acclaimed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the national federations and all other contributors for sending us their news throughout the year. After the World Championship year, 2007 promises to be equally important in terms of news, as we see the start of the Olympic Qualification Process for Beach Volleyball from 1 January and, with the World Cup in Japan in November, the first Olympic Qualifica- Modena hosted a women’s open in May 2006 tion Tournament for Volleyball.

Furthermore, we will see the SWATCH The annual junior world championship FIVB Beach Volleyball World Cham- events in the U19 and U21 age categories In this Issue pionships in Gstaad in July, for which aim to continue the development of the Volleyball you can already find ticket and accom- young and dynamic sport of Beach Vol- • World ranking update modation information in this first issue leyball and ensure a steady flow of new • Asian Games 2006 of the year. talent in the sport. In addition to the gold • African Cup Winners Cup medal and the prestigious title of junior You will also find details of the major Beach Volleyball Volleyball and Beach Volleyball events world champion, the winners are also in 2007, including the annual World offered a wild card ticket to an event on • World Championship news League and Grand Prix competitions. the SWATCH FIVB World Tour, with travel • New partner for sportswear expenses paid by the organiser. National Federations I look forward to reading your contri- butions this year and wish you all the This incentive has allowed many young • News from Austria, Britain very best for 2007. athletes to gain a foothold on the only and Serbia Calendars Get involved, international Beach Volleyball circuit. keep the ball flying! • 2007 Main events Dr Rubén Acosta H., FIVB President The President of the Italian Volleyball • 2007 Global Calendar Jan-Mar Federation (FIPAV), Mr. Carlo Magri, was www.fivb.org Volleyball

volleyball men & women where they finished 12th after making the World Ranking update second round and moved from 23rd to 16th in the ranking. Egypt and Peru both after the 2006 World Championships dropped from joint 12th place after failing to make the second round at the Worlds, Russia finished top of the women’s were the highest mover, gaining 22 to fin- whilst Costa Rica gained ten places from world ranking at the end of last year ish the year eighth. The Netherlands en- their first-ever World Championship cam- after taking 100 points for their World tered the top ten after their eighth place paign to finish the year in 23rd place, up Championship gold medal. Brazil stay finish at the worlds, adding a fourth team from 33rd. unchanged in second place, while from Europe to the world’s best. Surprise previous leader falls to third team Chinese Taipei made ground from A strong showing from Central and East- after finishing in fifth place at the their World Championship campaign, ern Europe at the Men’s World Champion- 2006 World Grand Prix and World Championships.

The top three teams in the men’s ranking remain unchanged after Brazil secured the World League and World Champion- ship titles in 2006. Second-placed Italy remain ahead of Russia, who finished a disappointing seventh at the World Championships.

After taking the bronze medal at the World Brazil’s men stay on top Italy unchanged as world No. 2 Championships, Serbia and Montenegro

Women’s World Ranking Men’s World Ranking ship saw Poland move up to fourth place after taking the silver medal. Serbia and on December 15, 2006 on December 15, 2006 Montenegro were down one place in fifth Rk Prev. National Teams Points Rk Prev. National Teams Points after being beaten to the World Champi- 1 3 Russia 201 1 1 Brazil 195 onship bronze medal by Bulgaria, who moved up 12 places to enter the top ten in 2 2 Brazil 190 2 2 Italy 132 sixth place. The German men’s team even bettered the success of the women to be- 3 1 China 147 3 3 Russia 125 come the highest mover in the men’s rank- ing, finishing 14th from 32nd previously. 4 4 Italy 145.5 4 8 Poland 124.5 For the complete world rankings, visit 5 5 Cuba 138 5 4 Serbia & Mont. 117.5 http://www.fivb.org/EN/Volleyball/ Rankings/Rankings.htm 6 7 Japan 104.5 6 18 Bulgaria 99

7 6 USA 87.5 7 6 France 92

8 30 Serbia & Mont. 82.5 8 5 USA 89

9 8 Korea 61.5 9 7 Argentina 67.5

10 16 Netherlands 52.5 10 10 Japan 62.5

11 9 Poland 43 11 9 Greece 48.5

12 15 Turkey 42.5 12 12 Canada 45 Russia displace China as world No. 1 13 18 Germany 41 13 16 Cuba 43.5

14 19 Azerbaijan 39.5 14 32 Germany 41.5

14 10 Dominican Rep. 39.5 15 17 Tunisia 39.5

16 23 Chinese Taipei 37.5 16 14 China 37.5

17 11 Kenya 35.5 16 23 Puerto Rico 37.5

17 12 Peru 35.5 18 15 Egypt 36.5

19 16 Kazakhstan 34 19 11 Korea 35.5

19 12 Puerto Rico 34 20 13 Venezuela 33.5 Brazil’s women remain second

 FIVB World Volley News No.11 January 2007 Asian Games 2006

volleyball & beach volleyball In the men’s bronze medal match, 10th- Asian Games roundup seeded Agus Salim and Supriadi Supria- di defeated Andy Ardiyansah and Koko China’s women make it a hat-trick Prasetyo Darkuncoro 21-23, 21-18 and 15-13 in 63 minutes. It was Salim’s third- Olympic champions China country – along with Japan and China – to straight Asian Games Beach Volleyball sil- came from the first set defi- successfully retain their Asian Games vol- ver medal as he captured the second po- cit to beat Japan 3-1 and leyball title. dium spot in 1998 with Irikhun Shofanna win a third successive wom- and in 2002 with Darkuncoro. en’s gold medal at the Asian Games in “After the 2006 World Championship, we Qatar last December. analysed the Chinese team and we fo- China’s women complete the cused on their setter,” said Korea’s Lee country’s Beach Volleyball sweep The two sides had met in November’s fifth Sun Kyu after the match. “As we defended Seventeen-year old Xue Chen and 21-year place playoff at the World Championships their quick attacks, they were dejected old Zhang Xi completed a gold medal in Japan (a match that China won 3-0) and and they substituted their setter who sweep for China by winning the women’s it appeared that defeat could be avenged gave quick sets.” finale at the Sports City venue by rallying when the Japanese came firing out of the to defeat third-seeded Eiko Koizumi and blocks in the final. China’s coach Jianan said: “In general, Shinako Tanaka of Japan. With their 19- Korea were very strong in their blocking, 21, 21-11 and 15-13 win in 63 minutes, Chinese head coach said defence and their his players did not play well due to un- attack. Their block- derestimation of their opponent’s stami- ing and defence na, which caused the team to fall passive obstructed our when the Japanese started strongly in the offence and that first set. “To win a gold medal in a com- was why we lost. prehensive sports event like the Asian Korea played very Games is never a piece of cake. I’m glad well today and my players finally made it under high they showcased pressure,” said Chen. top class standard. This gave me so The win should take some of the sting out much pressure and of China’s fifth place showing at the 2006 we made mistakes World Championships in Japan, when from that. I’m very coach Chen was widely criticized to be happy with their too conservative to introduce new blood [the team’s] ef- to the team, relying instead on its old in- fort, however not jury-haunted squad of the 2004 Athens with their perform- Olympics. ance. As a coach, I shouldn’t feel sat- “I have been thinking of new lineup for a isfied about their long time, but it is hard to get the right performance be- China’s Xue Chen and Zhang Xi rounded off a successful season with the gold in Doha person at right time,” said Chen. “But I cause we need the was pleased to see our two young play- players to improve ers, 18-year-old spiker Wang Yimei and continuously. Overall, we are still lacking the second-seeded Xue Chen and Zhang 19-year-old played well at the in skills.” Xi’s gold medal win followed a men’s title games.” victory by fourth-seeded Shun Zhou and In the playoff for third place, Saudi Arabia Jian Li, who upset Chinese rivals and top- led the way with 21 points for were pushed to the limit as they defeated seeded Penggen Wu and Linyin Xu 22-20, China, two more than Wang Yimei – who Qatar over five sets (25–20, 16–25, 25–21, 12-21 and 15-13 for the top spot on the had gone into the final as China’s most po- 17–25, 15–11) to take the bronze medal. podium. tent weapon on 71 points with 47 spikes, 10 block and 14 service aces. Japan’s top Gold medal upset in all-Chinese The gold medal victory avenged an ear- scorer was Miyuki Takahashi with 14 men’s Beach Volleyball final lier defeat to the third-seeded Koizumi – two more than Sachiko Sugiyama, Saori In an all-Chinese men’s finale, fourth- and Tanaka, who defeated Xue Chen and Kimura and Shuka Oyama. Takahashi seeded Shun Zhou and Jian Li upset top- Zhang Xi Wednesday 22-20, 15-21 and had been Japan’s key player in the tour- seeded Penggen Wu and Linyin Xu 22-20, 19-17 in the longest match of the competi- nament, scoring 71 points going into the 12-21 and 15-13 to win the third Beach tion (70 minutes). final. Volleyball medal awarded at the Asian Games. The gold medal victory in 63 min- It was China’s second-straight women’s The bronze medal went to Chinese Taipei utes avenged an earlier defeat to Wu and Beach Volleyball gold medal at the Asian – their first ever medal in women’s volley- Xu as Zhou and Li had dropped a 21-14 Games. Wang Fei and Tian Jian cap- ball at the Asian Games – after they beat and 21-16 semi-final qualifying match to tured the 2002 Asian title at Busan, South Thailand 25-23, 25-21, 25-14 in just over their Chinese rival Friday at the Sports Korea. an hour with Lin Chun Yi top-scoring with City venue. 17 points. As a part of the top-seeded team in 2006, It was China’s second men’s Beach Vol- Tian Jia claimed the Asian Games bronze Korea’s men defend their title leyball gold medal at the Asian Games. medal as she and Wang Jie scored a 21-12 Defending champions Korea beat China Hongyu Gu and Hua Li won the first Asian and 21-15 in 33 minutes over fifth-seeded in four sets (25–18, 22–25, 25–18, 25–16) Games Beach Volleyball title at the 1998 Kamoltip Kulna and Jarunee Sannok of in the men’s event to become the third event in Bangkok. Thailand.

FIVB World Volley News No.11 January 2007  Beach Volleyball

beach volleyball men & Women undertaken a major commitment to our or- DESCENTE becomes new FIVB partner ganisation that goes beyond merely plac- ing their logo on uniforms. DESCENTE for sportswear will also ensure the full logistical support for the FIVB’s international events in or- The FIVB today signed a long-term new partnership, Mr. Kunio Tajiri, Presi- der to equip all Beach Volleyball players, partnership agreement with sports- dent of DESCENTE, said: “DESCENTE is officials and delegates.DESCENTE ’s com- wear manufacturer DESCENTE as of- delighted to secure this important part- mitment is also a long-term expression of ficial sportswear supplier for all FIVB nership agreement with the FIVB as the support for the FIVB.” Beach Volleyball events. The six-year world governing body of Volleyball and deal covers three World Champion- Beach Volleyball. The fact that the FIVB is The agreement covers the following in- ships and all events under FIVB au- the world’s largest sports federation and ternational Beach Volleyball competi- thority during the period 2007-2012. one of the largest organisations in the tions: SWATCH FIVB World Tour 2007- world in terms of affiliated federations 2008, FIVB World Tour 2008-2012, DESCENTE will equip all players, delegates gives unprecedented global exposure to SWATCH FIVB World Championships and official tournament staff with sports- our brand.” 2007, FIVB World Championships 2009 wear for the FIVB’s World Tour and World and 2011. Championship events. The agreement FIVB President Acosta was happy to also includes the option for DESCENTE to present a new partner for the organisation: develop its own official FIVB sportswear “As the FIVB’s new official sportswear sup- range for retail sale. Commenting on the plier for Beach Volleyball, DESCENTE has

Beach VOLLEYBALL men & women Beach Ticket sales started for SWATCH FIVB Beach Volleyball Volleyball World Championships 2007 News... The World Championships in Gstaad families are encouraged to book early from 24th until 29th July are only sev- through Gstaad tourism (www.gstaad.ch A1 Beach Volleyball en months away. Ticket sales started or tel. +41 33 748 8181). Grand Slam presented in December 2006 and interest is al- by Nokia nominated ready huge. Tickets can be ordered Ticket prices for 2007 Sports on line from www.ticketcorner.com or Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th July: Marketing prize www.railaway.ch and accommodation free entrance can also be booked online via the of- Thursday 26th July until Sunday 29th July: The 2006 Klagenfurt Grand Slam ficial website of Gstaad Tourism. CHF 30.00 per person per day stop on the SWATCH FIVB World 4-day pass: CHF 90.00 per person Tour has been nominated for the For the first time, the tournament promot- 2007 Marketing Prize at the ISPO er has organised a tent village consisting Family day pass: CHF 70.00 per day Sports Sponsorship Congress. of 450 tents that offer budget accommo- Family week pass: CHF 210.00 After players and the FIVB alike dation for 2400 people. With each tent ac- (Allows entrance for 2 adults and up to placed the Klagenfurt tournament commodating five people, the offer is tar- three of their own children) among the best in the world, the geted towards families who would like to 50% reduction for children aged 6 to 16 Financial Times Deutschland this attend the event for the entire week. Free entrance for children under 6 year elected Klagenfurt as “World Capital of Beach Volleyball”. At the Demand for this novel accommodation ar- VIP package: CHF 490.00 FIVB Congress in October 2006, the rangement is already strong, so interested VIP Skylounge package: CHF 690.00 event’s promoter, Hannes Jager- hofer, became the first Beach Vol- The Beach comes to the Mountains – Gstaad centre court leyball personality to receive the FIVB’s prestigious Grand Cross for his work in developing the tourna- ment into one of the top internation- al Beach Volleyball events. “We are proud to be among the big names and global companies,” said Jagerhofer. “We have been getting a lot of positive feedback about our event for a number of years, but what has happened in our anni­ versary year has exceeded our ex­ pectations. A nomination alongside Adidas, Coca Cola, Deutsche Tele­ kom and McDonalds proves that the A1 Beach Volleyball Grand Slam has become a premium brand.” The top three nominees will be an- nounced on 5th February 2007 at the ISPO Sports Sponsorship Congress.

 FIVB World Volley News No.11 January 2007 National Federations

national federations New Austrian Volleyball Federation President aims for London 2012

Dr. Stefan Tweraser was “This study shows unanimously elected as the that Volleyball gen- new president of the Aus- uinely is a sport trian Volleyball Federation for the masses. We at the organisation’s 22nd General As- are not far off foot- sembly at Vienna’s Saturn Tower on ball and if we ever 2nd December 2006. have one volley- baller more than “The election of Dr Stefan Tweraser as the footballers, it President of the Austrian Volleyball Fed- will be a cause for eration is good for Volleyball and good for celebration,” said sport in general,” said Peter Kleinmann, Peter Kleinmann, Executive President of the Austrian Vol- whose principal Dr. Stefan Tweraser, leyball Federation, “Development over the objective is to make new Austrian past few years has shown that Volleyball Volleyball the most- Volleyball Federation President is on an upward trend.” played sport in his country. The ob- A recent study by Austria’s Fessel GFK In- jectives of the new 37 year-old President This is a marketing issue. We want our stitute has shown the potential of Volley- of the Austrian Volleyball Federation are men’s team to be at the 2012 Olympic ball in the country. The study found that clear. Games and to play for a medal in 2016. 607,752 Austrians play Volleyball and Before this, we want to qualify for the around 135,000 of them do so at least one “We want to mobilize the large number of European and World Championships. In a week. This makes Volleyball the second Volleyball players to go to the sports halls, Beach Volleyball we want to get back on most-played ball game in Austria, behind watch matches and also take on roles and the podium earlier than this”, Tweraser football with some 950,000 players. assume responsibility within the sport. said immediately after his election.

Beach VOLLEYBALL men & women Great Britain Beach Volleyball announce coaching duo

British Volleyball has announced its will be directing latest coaching appointments in its the coaching pro- quest to qualify in Beach Volleyball at gramme of talent- the and London Olympics. Two ed Beach Volleyball coaches have been announced to de- hopefuls based in liver the programme, Jörg Ahmann the UK. from Germany and Jeff Alizina from the US. Ahmann, 40, has much experience Jörg Ahmann, Beach Volleyball bronze of the FIVB beach medallist for Germany in Sydney 2000, circuit and repre- New GB coaches Jörg Ahmann (left) and Jeff sented Germany Alzina with players left to right, Zara Dampney, in both 1996 and Lucy Boulton and Shauna Mullin at Horse Guards English pair Lucy Boulton Parade, London 2012’s venue for Beach Volleyball

and Denise Johns 2000 Olympics. Totterdell BM © on the SWATCH FIVB On retiring from the international scene Alzina, 38, is no newcomer to the interna- World Ahmann used his playing experience and tional coaching scene; having coached the Tour his coaching ability to manage and also Greek, Israeli, Swedish and US National coach the German national squads and Teams and a total of 12 individual NCAA has an excellent capacity to develop play- All Americans (2001-2004) and 15 Olym- ers to make the breakthrough onto the in- pians (1996, 2000 and 2004 OG). Alzina ternational scene. Ahmann is also author will be focusing on the very top players, of numerous Beach Volleyball books. honing their skills for match play and pro- viding personal coaching. “I am excited by the prospect of coach- ing and developing the British Volleyball He’s already seen top British pair Lucy players in the UK and can’t wait to get Boulton and Denise Johns in training on started in the New Year” says Ahmann. the West Coast and predicts that next season they will dramatically improve on Ahmann will be assisted by Jeff Alzina their recent successes in qualifying for the who will operate from his base in Califor- Main Draw in the SWATCH FIVB World nia and hone the top pairings for the gru- Tour: “Both Lucy and Denise have amaz- elling international qualification circuit to ing power and skill and will be an exciting Beijing. pairing to develop.”

FIVB World Volley News No.11 January 2007  National Federations

national federations Volleyball Federation of Serbia presents new official logo and website

The Volleyball Federation in 4 teams in the Italian Volleyball League, of Serbia (OSS) threw a Vol- the strongest in the world,” said Milosevic, leyball Cocktail Party at the speaking at the party. Hotel “M” in Belgrade to see in the New Year with the presentation Mr Aleksandar Boricic, President of the of its new official logo and website. OSS, looked to the future: “We make projects and we speak openly about our OSS Secretary General, Slobodan Milose- goals. This year comes to its end, but al- vic, summarised the nations achievements ready from January 3rd our Youth Teams, at the function. “Our National Teams of for the first time under the name of Serbia, Serbia and Montenegro, from April 2003 will participate at the Qualifying Tourna- up to the end of 2006, participated at 43 ment for the 2007 European Champion- events under the auspices of the FIVB, ship. Next year we have European Cham- CEV and BVA, and won a total of 26 med- pionships in the Senior Competition, the als – 6 gold, 13 silver, and 7 bronze. More- World League competitions, and Grand over, our players have won 33 individual Prix Qualifying. Also, there are Qualifying awards at these events, of which 9 MVP Tournaments for the 2007 World Champi- awards. Our National Teams participated onships in Junior Competitions, and the in the in Athens (Senior BVA Championships. We expect that next Men), played at the World Championships year we will go to the World Cup in Japan six times, at the European Champion- with two National Teams. Beside compe- ship 11 times, at the BVA Championship titions, we think about the National Vol- The cover page of Mr. Novica Saric’s book 16 times, in the World League four times, leyball Center. I hope very soon we will at the World Cup once, and once at the be able to make it happen, and that from tion of Serbia. The Jury members were Mediterranean Games. The special place 2008 our National Teams can train in Mr. Aleksandar Boricic, Jury President, is reserved for the organization of the their own home,” he said. Mr. Ivan Djurovic, Director of the Autono- World League Final Tournament, and the mous Department for External Relations European Championship for Senior Men, Dragutin Cuk, Technical Director in the at “Telekom Srbija”, Mr. Zoran Avramovic, in 2005 in Belgrade. I would also like to OSS, explained the procedure for electing Director of the Red Star Marketing Agency, remind you that our players are Captains the new Logo of the Volleyball Federa- Mr. Goran Cato, President of the Associa- tion of Volleyball Clubs Assembly, and Mr. volleyball men & women Dragutin Cuk. From the total of 58 candi- Volleyball scoops two awards dates from Serbia and abroad, the work of Mr. Mile Radovic, an architect from Bel- from Olympic Committee of Serbia grade, was chosen.

Serbia’s women’s team - the ter polo Team was elected the Best Team Mr. Milan Vujacic, Coordinator in the OSS, bronze medallists at the in Men’s competition. and Mr. Nenad Vasiljevic, presented the 2006 World Championships new website of the Volleyball Federation in Japan, were elected the Table Tennis player Mr. Zlatko Kesler got of Serbia – www.ossrb.org, which will Best Team in Serbia for the year 2006, special award of the Olympic Committee be available from January 1st. while Mr. Aleksandar Boricic, Presi- of Serbia for achieved results in category dent of the Volleyball Federation of of Physically Impaired Sportsmen. In 2006, the Volleyball Federation of Ser- Serbia and FIVB Executive Vice-Presi- bia promoted the book “European Cham- dent, was awarded with the Trophy of Mr. Vojislav Kostunica, Prime Minister of pionships 1948 – 2005”, by Mr. Novica Sa- the International Olympic Committee the Serbian Government, attended the ric, Press Attaché of the OSS, published by at the Ceremony for the Best Individu- Ceremony in the Parliament Dome of the IDEA Publishing House, while the design als and Teams in Serbia in 2006, held Republic of Serbia. and graphics solutions were made by Red in the Parliament Star Marketing Agency. Dome of the Re- The awardees with Vojislav Kostunica, public of Serbia last Prime Minister of Serbia Mr. Aleksandar Boricic, Mr. Nenad Goli- December. (3rd from right) janin, Vice-President of the OSS, and Mr. Slobodan Milosevic honoured those Mr. Ivan Curkovic, who helped in assembling this book. Mr. President of the Ol- Ljubomir Acimovic Silja, Competitions Di- ympic Committee of rector in the OSS, Mr. Lazar Grozdanovic, Serbia, announced the former Head Coach, Mr. Zoran Petrovic, winners of these pres- former national team player and journal- tigious awards. Ms. Ol- ist, Mr. Slobodan Milosevic, Head Coach ivera Jevtic of Athletics, of VC Obili, Mr. Ljubomir Kovacevic, and Mr. Nikola Stojic former national team player and Interna- of Rowing, received tional Referee, Mr. Ivan Cvetkovic and Mr. awards for Best Indi- Vladimir Petkovic, Journalists in “Politika” vidual Sport Players, daily newspaper, received a copy of the while Senior Men Wa- book at the ceremony.

 FIVB World Volley News No.11 January 2007 Confederations

volleyball men The opposite national team player Mo- Zamalek hamed Gabal played a great role in the victory not only with his match-high 40 win the Men’s African Cup Winners title points but also with his critical spikes at the end of each set. Zamalek of Egypt secured Amada Sidiyane (Niger) and Mr. Mukanda the 18th Men’s African Cup (Congo). In the match for 7th place, El-Shams of Winners Cup title after a Egypt defeated DGSP of Congo Brazzaville classic Egyptian-Tunisian In the bronze medal match, defending in straight sets (25-18, 25-22, 25-22) in 66 final against Etoile Du Sahel. Zamalek champions Saydia of Tunisia defeated Be- minutes. won the final match 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, jaia of Algeria 3-0 easily (25-19, 25-15, 25- 27-25, 25-23) in 100 minutes of excit- 15) in only 54 minutes. The Tunisian team The Egyptian team was better in block- ing Volleyball. Saydia of Tunisia took used the experience of the team captain ing and back line defense and used their the bronze medal following their vic- Atef Loukil who came as the match scorer experienced attacker Hamdy Salah to tory over Bejaia of Algeria. with 14 points and the high performance penetrate the opponent block to win the of the promising youngster Ayman Ben match. The final was attended by CAVB President Brik to bring the victory with the least Dr. Amr Elwani, who presented the win- effort. Individual Awards ner’s trophy and the medals for the first Best Spiker: No. 9 Mohamed Chikhi three teams, Control Committee presi- In a purely Egyptian encounter for fifth (Bejaia - Algeria) dent Mr. Baba Sy (Senegal), CAVB Referee place, El-Guish clinched a thriller 3-1 vic- Best Blocker: No. 7 Chaker Ghezal Committee president Mr. Hassan Ahmed tory over Petrojet (25-23, 25-27, 25-21, (Etoile - Tunisia) (Egypt), Mr. Okba Gogam (Algeria), Mr. 27-25) in 101 minutes. Best Server: No. 18 Hosni Karamosli (Saydia - Tunisia) Zamalek players with the trophy Best Setter: No. 7 Ashraf Aboulhassan (Zamalek - Egypt) Best Receiver: No. 3 Ahmed Kamal (Zamalek - Egypt) Best Digger: No. 1 Mahrez Beriri (Saydia - Tunisia) Most Valuable Player (MVP): Mohamed Badawy (Zamalek - Egypt)

Final Ranking 1. Zamalek (Egypt) 2. Etoile Du Sahel (Tunisia) 3. Saydia (Tunisia) 4. Bejaia (Algeria) 5. El-Guish (Egypt) 6. Petrojet (Egypt) 7. El-Shams (Egypt) 8. DGSP (Congo Brazzaville) 9. Esetif (Algeria) 10. National University (Rwanda) 11. Daim Hamad (Sudan) 12. Kigali Volleyball (Rwanda) 13. Muzinga (Burundi) 14. Mineurs (Guinea) All Contributions Welcome! 2007 Main Events

Please send your comments and articles by e-mail to: Date Event n = Beach Volleyball Place Gender

[email protected] July 7-16 Men’s Junior World Championship Casablanca & Rabat, Morocco M July 11-15 World League Finals Rome, Italy M or by mail / fax to: July 19-27 Women’s Junior World Championship Suphanburi, Thailand W July 24-28 SWATCH FIVB World Championships Gstaad, Switzerland M / W Fédération Internationale August 3-12 Baja California, Mexico W de Volleyball Youth World Championship for Girls Avenue de la Gare 12 Aug. 15-26 Youth World Championship for Boys Baja California, Mexico M CH-1001 Lausanne - Switzerland Aug. 22-26 World Grand Prix Finals Ningbo, China W Sept. 4-9 SWATCH FIVB U-21 World Championships Modena, Italy M / W Tel : +41 (21) 345 35 35 Nov. 2-16 Women’s World Cup Various cities, Japan W Fax: +41 (21) 345 35 45 Nov. 18- Dec. 2 Men’s World Cup Various cities, Japan M

FIVB World Volley News No.11 January 2007  Calendar

international refereeing Pereyra believes he retires as a referee After 36 years as a Volleyball referee with the sport in fantastic health, having Juan Angel Pereyra hung up his whistle benefited from recent rule changes. “I have seen some very good and important It was the end of an era on team for the 2012 changes with the rules of the game to ac- when Juan Angel Pereyra London Olympics commodate tactical and technical aspects hung up his whistle after and we have to of our sport,” Pereyra said. “It has made 36 years as a Volleyball work a long time the game more mobile, more exciting. The referee on the final day of the world for this. application of the rules and the spirit championships. “No more whistle!” of the rules are also very important for the Argentine official said moments “We only have 37 million people in our the sport and this has been very impor- after his last match, the bronze country and Sao Paulo alone has 40 mil- tant for Volleyball to compete with other medal decider between Bulgaria and lion. It’s a big difference between us and sports. Now all the world can appreciate Serbia-Montenegro. our brothers!” the sport.”

The 54-year-old has been an international Pereyra officiating referee for the last 26 years and worked at at the 2006 World League final his first world championships in 1985. in Moscow

Pereyra will return to Argentina at the end of the tournament to continue in his job as a physical education teacher at the National University of Tucuman, where he also is academic secretary of the faculty. Pereyra retires at the top of his profession with lots of memories from a sport with which he has had a long-term love affair.

“I remember refereeing the women’s World Championship final in 1990 in China. That was my first World Championship final. And then I refereed the 1994 final in Brazil,” Pereyra said. 2007 Global Calendar - Competitions and Events - Volleyball and Beach Volleyball “One of my best memories, though, is a game between Brazil and Russia where it DATES EVENT COUNTRY CONF. M/W went to five sets. I will remember that all my life.” January 4-8 Youth Boys European Championships Various venues CEV M January 4-8 Youth Girls European Championships Various venues CEV W He also leaves with many friendships January 5-7 CEV Cup Men , 2nd round Various venues CEV M because of the close bonds developed be- January 5-7 CEV Cup Women , 2nd round Various venues CEV W tween fellow referees. January 9-18 Top Teams Cup Men, 1/8 Finals Various venues CEV M January 9-25 Top Teams Cup Women, 1/8 Finals Various venues CEV W “The referees are a very interesting group January 16-25 CEV Cup Men, 1/8 Finals Various venues CEV M in the sport. We have a nice competition January 16-25 CEV Cup Women, 1/8 Finals Various venues CEV W between us,” Pereyra said. Jan. 30-Feb. 8 Top Teams Cup Men, 1/4 Finals Various venues CEV M Jan. 30-Feb.15 Top Teams Cup Women, 1/4 Finals Various venues CEV W “All of us want the best match but only two February 2-4 Qualifier to the Panamerican Games Uruguay CSV M/W referees go to the final match. This is the February 6-15 CEV Cup Men, 1/4 Finals Various venues CEV M decision of the commission but there is February 6-15 CEV Cup Women, 1/4 Finals Various venues CEV W no fighting between referees. It is a very Feb. 6-Mar.1 INDESIT European Champions League Women League round Various venues CEV W warm group.” February 9-11 Qualifier to the Panamerican Games Chile CSV M/W Feb. 13-Mar. 15 INDESIT European Champions League Men Playoffs Various venues CEV W Pereyra has been a keen Volleyball player March 10-11 Top Teams Cup Women Final Four Various venues CEV W over the years and played for his local club March 10-11 Top Teams Cup Men Final Four Various venues CEV M in Tucuman. March 14-18 Leeward Island Tournament US Virgin Islands NORCECA W March 17-18 CEV Cup Men Final Four Various venues CEV M “I still have a big passion for the sport and March 17-18 CEV Cup Women Final Four Various venues CEV W I am now vice-president of the National March 21-25 Leeward Island Tournament S. Maarten, Neth. Antilles NORCECA M Federation in Argentina,” Pereyra said. March 23-25 Beach Volleyball Continental Championship Boca Chica, Dom. Rep. NORCECA M/W March 24-25 INDESIT European Champions League Women, Final Various venues CEV W He says he is now focused on working March 31-Apr. 1 INDESIT European Champions League Men, Final Various venues CEV M with the Federation in developing the fu- March-April 26th Cup of Clubs Champions TBC CAVB M ture national team. “We have started our March-April 22nd Cup of Clubs Champions TBC CAVB W plan this year and Argentina has very April 10-15 U-18 European Championships Final round Brno, Czech Republic CEV W young players. Our project is to build a April 11-16 U-19 European Championships Final round Vienna, Austria CEV W

World Volley News • Official Bulletin of theV FI B • Av. de la Gare 12 • CH-1001 Lausanne • Printed in Switzerland • FIVB founded in 1947 • Pres. Dr. Rubén Acosta H. Tel. + 41 21 345 35 35 • Fax + 41 21 345 35 45 • Web Site: www.fivb.org • E-mail: [email protected] • Editor: Communication Department • No. 11 • January 2007

 FIVB World Volley News No.11 January 2007