Monza, Italy, September 28, 2011 - In today’s first quarterfinal at PalaIper in Monza, Turkey shocked world champions Russia in straight sets (27-25, 25-21, 25-18) to send one of the favorites of this year’s tournament home. It is the first major surprise at 2011 CEV Volleyball European Championship – Women.

Marco Aurelio Motta's team was dominant from the start to the end, except for the finish of the first set when Russia had two set points, but couldn’t conclude. Vladimir Kuzyutkin's ladies could not deal with the power of Turkey. Especially in passing and defense, the Russians couldn’t answer expectations.

On the other hand, Russia's game pattern was predictable as it was too much focused on Ekatrina Gamova and Nataliya Goncharova. Best player of the match were Turkish Bahar Toksoy performing five aces, and Neriman Ozsoy, contributing 17 kills.

There was nothing to separate the two teams in the beginning of the match. Gamova and her teammates led 5-2, but at the first technical timeout there was only a one-point gap between Marco Aurelio Motta's girls and Russia. Indeed, at the second technical break, Turkey already led by three points, 16-13. Russia bounced back strongly, and at 24-23 Vladimir Kuzyutkin's team obtained a first set ball which was parried by Neslihan Darnel. The Turk saved another one some moments later before Bahar closed the first set out with an ace at 27-25.

Russia tried to turn the tables in the second set, leading with three points at the first technical timeout. But again the world champions were not able to keep the pace. Turkey fired back with an excellent block-defense system and powerful serves (4 aces in set No. 2).Turkey's captain Esra Gumus ended the second set 25-21.

In the third set, the Russian reaction came too late. Even though the East Europeans fought back bravely from 14-19 to 18-19, they couldn’t stop the outstanding Turks. Motta called his ladies off court before they scored six points in a row closing out the set 25-18, and the match.

Turkey head coach Marco Aurelio Motta: “We don’t usually predict the outcome of the match. However, the result against Russia came by surprise. We were preparing for winning but did not expect a 3-0. Our game was principally stable; we controlled the game in all sets. Our defense and service were brilliant. On the other hand, Russia suffered particularly in defense.”