Cuba is now the best team of NORCECA at the World Grand Prix

TAIPEI, Taiwan, August 27, 2006.- Cuba recovered from a slow start at this year FIVB World Grand Prix conquering its third consecutive victory in a five-set battle with Azerbaijan.

The Cubans have a 3-3 record and they are the NORCECA’s team with better record in the annual women competition. Dominican Republic lost today to China and is 2-3, while USA was defeated by Brazil and is 1-4 in the Preliminary Rounds.

Nancy Carrillo scored 21 points and Rosir Calderon and Yumilka Ruiz charted 18 and 17 respectively in the Cuban success, while Daimi Ramirez contributed 12 points. Natalya Mammadova had 39 points but could not avoid the loss of her side by score of 22-25, 26-24, 21-25, 25-21, 15-12.

Meanwhile, in Macau, Brazil defeated USA 29-27, 25-22, 23-25, 25-21, with Sheilla Castro leading the way with 27 points. Caroline Gattaz and Fabiana Claudino added 11 and 10 respectively.

Nancy Metcalf was the best American with 20 points and Tayyiba Haneef and Heather Bown scored 18 and 17 respectively.

In the other match in Macau, the Olympic champions China had to battle to defeat Dominican Republic 25-22, 25-20, 20-25, 25-22.

Yimei Wang enjoyed a wonderful night scoring a match-high 26 points to lead China. Yanan Liu had 12 and Shan Li and Yunli Xu each had 10 points.

Cosiris Rodriguez was the top Dominican with 15 points, Annerys Vargas had 11 and Prisilla Rivera came off the bench to add 10 points.