Corrientes, Argentina, August, 17, 2015 – Russia managed to contain Puerto Rico’s final onslaught to crown a straight-set victory (25-15, 25-20, 25-23) with a point performance by opposite Dmitry Yakovlev. The Caribbeans still couldn’t win in this World Championship and have only one life to try getting into the tournament‘s best 16 teams.
Puerto Rico couldn’t count with the traditional contribution of a stomach-sick Luis Ocasio, who nevertheless started the match in the initial formation. Gabriel Garcia led the scoring sheet for the Center Americans with 10 points but it was Captain Pelegrin Vargas the one who carried the team to leave a good image in the third set, where Puerto Rico were close to steal the Russian’s show (25-23).
Konstantin Abaev formed a perfect offensive tandem with Dmitry Yakovlev. The young setter played masterfully to allow the opposite a 22-point-match with a 54% spiking efficiency and 4 killing blocks that permitted Russia to subdue their rival despite an erratic game from the service.
Now, Russia is at the top of Pool D with 6 points and a 2-1 record, same as Germany, and had already book hotels in Resistencia for the winner part of the draw. Puerto Rico, on the other hand, occupy the 5th position and depend on Japan result against Brazil this Monday and their own match facing the Brazilian this Tuesday to advance to the next round.