Italy, Turkey advance to Women’s World Championship finals after semifinal thrillers

Mark Aaron Balbin

Turkey and Italy booked their spots in the FIVB Women’s World Championship final after coming out on top in their respective semifinal matches at Huamark Indoor Stadium on Sept. 6.

The Turks overcame a first-set loss to defeat Japan, while the Italians outlasted Brazil in a five-set thriller.

Turkey claimed the first finals berth with a 16-25, 25-17, 25-18, 27-25 victory, unleashing attacks from both wings to recover after Japan’s strong start.

Melissa Vargas led the way with 28 points, 26 coming off kills.

Japan opened strong, with opposite Yukiko Wada leading a dominant first set, but the team failed to build on its early momentum.

Turkey responded with steady defense and aggressive offense to control the next two sets before weathering Japan’s late push in the fourth to seal the win.

Meanwhile, Italy emerged as the better ball-hitters as they edged Brazil in a five-set thriller, 22-25, 25-22, 28-30, 25-22, 15-13.

Ekaterina Antropova recorded 28 points to successfully escape the Brazilian threats of a resurgence.

The two sides traded blows in a tense battle that stretched to the decider.

After three gritty sets, Brazil had a chance to take back the lead halfway through the fourth set, only for Italy to take it back and complete a comeback sweep and eventually claim the remaining set.

Japan and Brazil will meet in the bronze-medal game, while Italy and Turkey vie for the title.