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JURMALA: GOLD RUN FOR SAMOILOVS/SMEDINS PHOTO Aleksandrs Samoilovs/Janis Smedins win gold in front of home crowds at the FIVB Jurmala 3-Star Jurmala, Latvia, August 25, 2019 - Aleksandrs Samoilovs/Janis Smedins earn their second FIVB gold in row, taking the inaugural FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Jurmala 3-Star in front of a full centre court on Majori Beach. Silver goes to Estonia’s Kusti Nõlvak and Mart Tiisaar and the bronze was won by Aliaksandr Dziadkou/Pavel Piatrushka from Belarus. Samoilovs/Smedins pocket their second gold in a row following victory at the Moscow 4-Star one week earlier in another impressive week on the sands in Jurmala. The gold medal match saw Samoilovs/Smedins perform a spectacular turn-around of the first set-point against Estonia. The Jurmala final was the second time the two teams have played, the first was this year during pool play at the Doha 4-Star, with Nõlvak/Tiisaar winning in straight sets. PHOTO Aleksandrs Samoilovs (left) and Janis Smedins (LAT) in front of a packed stadium during the Jurmala gold medal match Nõlvak/Tiisaar appeared calm and composed, able to utilise the crowds energy and visibly enjoying their court time throughout the week in Jurmala. Some great blocks from Tiisaar began to edge the Estonians ahead to reach set point at 20-17. An unbelievable display from Samoilovs/Smedins followed, with Samoilovs rescuing the first set point. Smedins’ smash closed the deficit further and an incredible run of points had the crowd in awe as the Latvians stole the set 23-21. It was similarly close to start the second set, but Samoilovs/Smedins began to grow in confidence at the mid-point. Match point was taken with a perfect placement from Samoliovs, 2-0 (23-21, 21-14). PHOTO Aleksandrs Samoilovs (LAT) and Kusti Nõlvak (EST) during the Jurmala final “We’re feeling a little bit tired, because in Russia we put out our best performance and then in this tournament, today was very tough. We felt a little slow and physically not very good and our serves didn’t work as we planned it. The Estonians played a perfect first set to 20-17 when they were leading and it was amazing how we could come back and win the first set. We didn’t show our best game but still we were fighting and the crowd was cheering for us, we just pushed ourselves to the maximum,” said Smedins. “The crowds have been amazing, not only in the stadium, but outside watching on the big screen. A lot of fans and friends and family are here,” said Smedins. The silver for Nõlvak/Tiisaar is their strongest FIVB result to date, with the team reaching two 3-Star quarterfinals this year in Sydney and Edmonton and earning silver at the Singapore 2-Star last year. “Of course we are happy with the silver, just a tiny bit bitterness for the last match. We had a really good first set, we were close to getting it and they kept pushing with the serve really hard and we were struggling with this and this is when the second set went I think. But we’re really happy with the silver still,” said Tiisaar. “The silver means that we played well and I’m happy that we played well. I’ve enjoyed it a lot, so many people and such a good atmosphere,” said Nõlvak. PHOTO Aliaksandr Dziadkou/Pavel Piatrushka (BLR) earn Jurmala bronze The bronze went to Dziadkou/Piatrushka in a straight sets win over Germany’s Dollinger A./Stadie, 2-0 (21-19, 21-16). The medal match was a tactical affair from the word go, with both teams feeling their way into the game. Breezy afternoon conditions on Majori Beach’s centre court produced tricky service conditions with multiple points lost to service errors throughout both sets. Belarus secured the first set 21-19 and came out confidently in the second, gaining a four point lead. With Dollinger A./Stadie now on catch-up, Dziadkou/Piatrushka were proving difficult to penetrate and began to run away with the lead, earning the bronze in 31 minutes. The bronze medal for the Belarus team is their first at an FIVB 3-Star event, after the pair won gold at the Göteborg 1-Star this year. PHOTO Pavel Piatrushka (BLR) during the Jurmala bronze medal match “We feel good, we’re happy with our bronze. We are feeling quite tired, we wanted to play with more accuracy today, and play more of a smart game. This is the biggest result for our team, so we’re happy,” said Dziadkou. The final four finish for Dollinger A./Stadie is also an impressive result for the German team, who teamed up for the first time in Jurmala. Continue on https://www.fivb.com/en/about/news/jurmala-gold-run-for-samoilovssmedins?id=88430

POOL PLAY WRAPS UP AT BOYS' U19 WORLDS AHEAD OF KNOCKOUT STAGE PHOTO Roman Murashko on the attack, as he leads Russia to a sweep of USA at the 2019 FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship in Tunis. Tunis, Tunisia, August 25, 2019 - The last remaining spots in the Round of 16 were grabbed by Bulgaria and Nigeria as pool play completed Sunday at the 2019 FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship in Tunis, where the knockout stage involving the top 16 sides is set to kick off on Tuesday, following Monday's rest day. Round of 16 knockout matches on Tuesday, August 27: Italy v Chinese Taipei Japan v Korea Czech Republic v Belarus Egypt v Nigeria Russia v Germany Cuba v Iran USA v Argentina Brazil v Bulgaria Tunisia, Colombia, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, who all ranked fifth in their pools, continue in the competition forming a round-robin pool for positions 17 to 20. Cuba loss lifts Brazil to pole position Uladzislau Babkevich scored a joint high of the day of 25 points to guide Belarus to a stunning win over Cuba 3-1 (25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16), as the European side took advantage of 33 unforced errors by the Caribbean team. This allowed Brazil top the standings of Pool A after their 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-20) of Chinese Taipei at the close of the day, as coach Preturlon Ribeiro brought on his subs for the third set. Lucas Lima, who only played two sets, emerged top scorer of the match with 15 points, including a tournament high eight aces. Bulgaria advance, Italy stay undefeated A tournament high 18 blocks was good to see Bulgaria through to the top 16 with a 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 24-26, 26-24) over Colombia that decided the last remaining ticket from Pool B. The South American side, making their debut in a World Championship of this age-group, however, went down fighting and it took two match balls for Bulgaria to close the match on their second try with an ace of Georgi Tatarov on Santiago Ruiz. Bulgaria missed an opportunity to get the job done in three, after blowing a match point at 24-23 in the third, when Colombia reacted with back-to-back blocks by Cristian Murillo and Daniel Aponza both on Petar Petrov, followed by an error by setter Lyuboslav Telkiyski. A little later in the day Italy clinched top position in Pool B, remaining undefeated in pool play, with a 3-1 (25-16, 25-18, 24-26, 25-11) over defending champions Iran - though both teams were already assured of a spot in the knockout stage. It took Iran three set balls in the third to take it and stay alive, but Italy came back in full force to close the match in four. Tommaso Stefani with 23 points led Italy, though it was the European side's blocking with 16 aces, including six each from Nicola Cianciotta and Paolo Porro that made the difference. Japan go down, but secure second place in pool Germany registered their second win of the tournament when they outlasted Mexico 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 25-18, 14-25, 15-12) - though already even before the match Mexico were out of reach of a place amongst the top 16. Simon Torwie with a joint day's high of 25 led the Germans in a match dominated by a few too many errors on either side. PHOTO Mexico's Franky Milantony gets blocked by Germany's Max Schulz at the 2019 FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship in Tunis. Argentina stunned Japan with a 3-1 (25-23, 18-25, 26-24, 25-21) win that made little difference to the Asian side who finished second in the pool (to undefeated Egypt) regardless. Manuel Armoa scored the third of the day's high of 25 points as Japan struggled to keep up with the South Americans on the net. PHOTO Japan's Tobias Takeshi Shigeto hits against the triple block of Argentina at the 2019 FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship in Tunis. Nigeria get the Top 16 ticket Nigeria needed only a set against the Dominican Republic to secure their ticket to the last 16, but got all three them against the Caribbean side in their 3-0 (25-17, 30-28, 25-17) win. The Dominican Republic missed their chance at claiming their first set in the competition when they were first to reach set point in the second with three to spare at 21-24. But Nigeria rallied to level the score and went on to cancel one more at 26-27 before getting it right on the fourth try of their own with a kill by Chinedu Pascal followed by a missed attacking opportunity by Fuhit Edouard. PHOTO Juan Feliz of the Domican Republic attacks past the double Nigeria block of Oforah Izuchukwu and Prince Okechukwu at the 2019 FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship in Tunis. Russia wrapped up Pool D thrashing USA 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-12) to stay undefeated and top the standings with some great serving and blocking. Roman Murashko top-scored for the European side with 18 points, including seven of his team's ten aces. Summary Statistics - 2019 FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship Highest Scorer by Day 23 – Simon Torwie of Germany v Egypt (2-3) on August 21 33 – Joung Hanyong of Korea v USA (3-1) on August 22 29 – Abdelrahman Elhossiny Jr of Egypt v Japan (3-2) on August 23 22 – Bardia Saadat of Iran v Colombia (3-1) on August 24 25 – Simon Torwie of Germany v Mexico (3-2) on August 25 25 – Uladzislau Babkevich of Belarus v Cuba (3-1) on August 25 Top Scoring Performances 33 – Joung Hanyong of Korea v USA (3-1) on August 22 31 – Darlan Ferreira of Brazil v Cuba (2-3) on August 22 29 – Abdelrahman Elhossiny Jr of Egypt v Japan (3-2) on August 23 27 – Amir Hossein Toukhteh of Iran v Bulgaria (3-1) on August 22 27 – Daiki Yamada of Japan v Egypt (2-3) on August 23 26 – Joung Hanyong of Korea v Russia (1-3) on August 23 25 – Simon Torwie of Germany v Mexico (3-2) on August 25 25 – Uladzislau Babkevich of Belarus v Cuba (3-1) on August 25 25 – Manuel Armoa of Argentina v Japan (3-1) on August 25 Top Individual Blocking Performances 8 – Aponza Leiner of Colombia v Iran (1-3) on 24 August 6 – Dzmitry Dyleuski of Belarus v Chinese Taipei (3-2) on August 21 6 – Nicola Cianciotta of Italy v Bulgaria (3-2) on August 21 6 – Alessandro Gianotti of Italy v Czech Republic (3-0) on August 22 6 – Gustavo Andre of Brazil v Cuba (2-3) on August 22 6 – Omar 'Sherif' Deigham of Egypt v Japan (3-2) on August 23 6 – Jan Kolakowski of Germany v Argentina (3-1) on August 23 6 – Nicola Cianciotta of Italy v Iran (3-1) on August 25 6 – Paolo Porro of Italy v Iran (3-1) on August 25 6 – Rayshon Nehemiah Jackman of Chinese Taipei v Brazil on August 25 Top Individual Serving Performances 8 – Lucas Lima of Brazil v Chinese Taipei (3-0) on August 25 7 – Elyes Bouachir of Tunisia v Belarus (3-2) on August 22 7 – Roman Murashko of Russia v USA (3-0) on August 25 6 – Aliaksandr Piatrevich of Belarus v Chinese Taipei (3-2) on August 21 6 – Alessandro Michieletto of Italy v Bulgaria (3-2) on August 21 Top Team Blocking Performances 17 – Bulgaria v Colombia (3-1) on August 25 17 – Italy v Bulgaria (3-2) on August 21 16 – Cuba v Brazil (3-2) on August 22 16 – Italy v Iran (3-1) on August 25 15 – Belarus v Chinese Taipei (3-2) on August 21 15 – Italy v Czech Republic (3-0) on August 22 15 – Brazil v Cuba (2-3) on August 22 Top Team Serving Performances 15 – Tunisia v Belarus (3-2) on August 22 14 – Russia v Dominican Republic (3-0) on August 22 13 – Russia v Korea (3-1) on August 23 13 – Russia v Nigeria (3-0) on August 24 12 – Brazil v Chinese Taipei (3-0) on August 25 Highest Scoring Sets 31-29 – United States v Dominican Republic (2nd Set) on August 21 30-28 – Nigeria v Dominican Republic (2nd set) on August 25 28-26 – Nigeria v Korea (2nd set) on August 21 28-26 – Belarus v Tunisia (4th set) on August 22 28-26 – Chinese Taipei v Tunisia (2nd set) on August 24 Highest Scoring Matches 236 – Cuba v Brazil 3-2 (23-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18, 27-25) on August 22 216 – Tunisia v Belarus 3-2 (25-22, 15-25, 25-23, 26-28, 15-12) on August 22 206 – Egypt v Germany 3-2 (17-25, 27-25, 25-17, 13-25, 17-15) on August 21 203 – Germany v Mexico 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 25-18, 14-25, 15-12) on August 25 202 – Egypt v Japan 3-2 (25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 15-25, 15-10) on August 23. CONTINUE ON https://www.fivb.com/en/about/news/pool-play-wraps-up-at-boys-u19?id=88432

The new El Trafiko, Ibra superstar again, will never lose to a city rival? AUTHOR: VLADIMIR STOJANOVIC SOURCE: SPORTSKE.NET Two Los Angeles clubs close out the regular season, with another spectacular match. New Photo: Beta / AP Photo / Marcio Jose Sanchez The new El Trafico, dubbed the Los Angeles City Derby, was completed with a draw 3: 3, again starring Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Carlos Vela, two of MLS's biggest stars. And once again the Galaxy has not lost to a city rival, the Los Angeles derby is beginning to develop into a pass uncharacteristic of the city but also of this part of America. Although Los Angeles FC, finished first after the regular season, they have failed to win a city rival since they established themselves in five matches. "You will never beat us," Galaksi's 3: 1 lead chanted before and after the match, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring two goals, on the other hand Latif Blesing was also a two-time scorer. In the second half, Carlos Vella brought his draw to the leader with his 27th goal of the season. Now the regular season is over, followed by a playoff in which the two teams could meet again. Again, Vela and Zlatan will be in the lead roles, so far Ibrahimovic has given eight goals to five rivals, while the Mexican has scored 7 goals in as many matches against the Galaxy. Ricardo SanchezDeeguy @sanchezdeeguy GalaXy n LAFC tie at 3 en el Traficante classic Continue on https://www.sportske.net/vest/medjunarodni-fudbal/novi-el-trafiko-ibra-opet-superstar-nikada-nece-izgubiti-od-gradskog-rivala-385531.html

2019 - US OPEN - USA, NY Untouchable Serena extends Sharapova dominance: ‘I was not letting her in the match’ Serena Williams (Getty Images) No.8 seed Serena Williams aced her opening round test against Maria Sharapova at the US Open, and afterward revealed the key to staying dominant from the start. STEPHANIE LIVAUDAIS NEW YORK, NY, USA - For 59 minutes on Monday night, Serena Williams was nearly untouchable. In a highly anticipated US Open first-round clash, it was No.8 seed Serena who emerged victorious over longtime rival Maria Sharapova. The 23-time Grand Slam champion dominated from the start, and quickly added the 6-1, 6-1 rout to her head-to-head haul, extending her dominance over Sharapova to 20-2. Read more: Serena subdues Sharapova in US Open first-round nightcap “I just feel like her game really matches up well against mine,” Serena explained in her post-match press conference. “I always said her ball somehow lands in my strike zone. I don't know. It's just perfect for me.” Understanding exactly how well Serena plays against Sharapova involves looking further than the 6-1, 6-1 number, or the even more daunting 20-2 number. Serena Williams (Jimmie48 Photography/WTA) Serena Williams speaks after her first-round match against Maria Sharapova at the US Open. (Jimmie48 Photography/WTA) Tonight, Serena had an answer for everything that Sharapova sent her way: she scored more than twice the winners (16 for Serena, six for Sharapova), made fewer unforced errors (12 to 20) and out-aced her opponent five to one. Even more impressively, Serena’s serve was not broken once, with the American saving all five break points faced in the second set. She also didn’t allow Sharapova any breathing room on her own serve: Serena won 100% of points off of the Russian’s second serves. Read more: 'It's never an easy road' - Sharapova plans smart schedule after Serena defeat at US Open “I think I was able to zone in, especially down breakpoints, not letting her in the match because she's the kind of player that keeps going,” Serena said of her dominant performance. “Even towards the end, she just wants to keep fighting. One point here or there, she could have won at least another game. “I wanted to make sure I stayed focused.” Serena Williams (Getty Images) Serena celebrates after her first-round win. (Getty Images) For Serena, who has not lost to Sharapova since 2004, it was nevertheless a tough opening round test after struggling with a back injury earlier in the summer. She was forced to retire due to painful back spasms in the final of the Rogers Cup in Toronto, trailing Andreescu 3-1, and then chose to skip Cincinnati in favor of more rest and training. She also shrugged off comments about the merits of the term ‘rivalry’, and acknowledged that the blockbuster opener might be exactly what she needed to get her US Open campaign off on the right foot. “It's really important because it's good to have tough matches,” Serena said. “Well, it's good to get through tough matches, especially for me. I really sometimes tend to start slow. It actually almost helps me.” Up next, Serena Williams continues her US Open campaign in the second round against American wildcard Catherine McNally. Continue on https://www.wtatennis.com/news/untouchable-serena-extends-sharapova-dominance-%E2%80%98i-was-not-letting-her-match%E2%80%99

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