Beijing, January 21–Russian women's volleyball team got the European ticket to Beijing after an exciting five-set thriller againt Poland at Halle, Germany, 25-23, 25-22, 11-25, 22-25, 15-12.

Russia overpowered Poland in the Sunday’s final of the Women’s European Olympic Qualification Tournament and claimed the European ticket for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The Russian side led 2-0 after two sets, before the Poles bounced back with an outstanding fighting spirit. At the end it was the Russian block making the difference, carrying Russia to a 15-12 tiebreak win. Poland left Halle with nothing but will still have a chance together with Serbia in the Japan FIVB World Qualification Tournament in May.

Marco Bonitta, head coach Poland: "We gave it everything and never gave up fighting for the victory. Unfortunately, it was not enough, but today there was very little difference between the World Champions and ourselves, and that makes me optimistic for the future. We now have one more chance to qualify for the Olympic Games and I believe that, with the kind of performance we have given so far in this tournament, we can be hopeful of making it to Beijing."

Giovanni Caprara, head coach Russia: "I am very proud with my side's victory. After a very complicated qualification tournament, we have managed to book our place for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. It was a very good performance from my team and we have won all five games here, which is something I am particularly proud about. Today's was a very tough game against Poland, but our blocking game paid off in the end!"

Women’s European Olympic Qualification Tournament

Halle, Germany: 15-20 January 2008

Pool A: Serbia, Russia, Romania, Croatia

Pool B: Germany, Poland, Turkey, Nederland

Match results

Tuesday 15 January 2008

GER – TUR 3:0 (25-20, 26-24, 25-19)

CRO – ROU 2:3 (25-21, 14-25, 25-22, 23-25, 5-15)

NED – POL 1:3 (17-25, 28-30, 25-16, 20-25)

Wednesday 16 January 2008

CRO – RUS 0:3 (19-25, 15-25, 12-25)

POL – GER 3:2 (22-25, 25-21, 14-25, 25-19, 15-8)

ROU – SRB 2:3 (27-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-25, 11-15)

Thursday 17 January 2008

TUR – NED 3:1 (16-25, 25-19, 27-25, 25-19)

SRB – CRO 3:1 (23-25, 25-21, 25-18, 25-22)

ROU - RUS 1:3 (21-25, 24-26, 25-21, 14-25)

Friday 18 January 2008

TUR - POL 1:3 (29-27, 16-25, 26-28, 20-25)

RUS – SRB 3:1 (25-17, 23-25, 32-30, 25-20)

GER - NED 1-3 (25-22, 25-27, 15-25, 23-25)

Saturday 19 January 2008 - Semifinals

RUS – GER 3:0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-17)

POL – SRB 3:1 (22-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-22)

Sunday 20 January 2008 - Final

RUS – POL 3:2 (25-23, 25-22, 11-25, 22-25, 15-12)