01/10/2012 09:30
Zenit KAZAN retains Russian Supercup
News from the clubs
Kazan, Russia, on October 1, 2012. Zenit KAZAN opened the 2012/2013 season by claiming the Russian Supercup.
The Russian Supercup was first introduced in 2008. Zenit KAZAN starred in all five editions held so far losing twice in a row to Dinamo MOSCOW in 2008 and 2009. In 2010 the guys mentored by Vladimir Alekno seized the cup for the first time by beating Belogorie BELGOROD and last year they had easily downed Lokomotiv NOVOSIBIRSK.
Last season, Zenit and Lokomotiv claimed the national league and cup respectively, that’s why they re-opened the season with yet another clash. In addition to this, both teams will represent Russia in the upcoming 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League.
This time the match was very tense and dramatic, a kind of repetition of the Olympic final in London where Russia came from behind to beat Brazil. Zenit – whose roster includes a total of four Olympic champions – was able to flip the tables around and come back from two sets down to eventually win the game (22:25, 21:25, 25:18, 25:16, and 15:10).
"I admire the character of my players” said after the match Vladimir Alekno. “It is already the fourth time in the last four years that we edge Lokomotiv after coming back from two sets down. This sounds like some bad luck for our opponents, but it is certainly good for us”.
Top scorer was Maxim Mikhaylov, who collected 23 points. Two players made their debut for Zenit, namely US American opposite Matthew Anderson and setter Igor Kolodinsky.
History of the Russian Superсup
2008 Dinamo MOSCOW vs. Zenit KAZAN 3-0 (25:18, 25:20, 25:23)
2009 Zenit KAZAN vs. Dinamo MOSCOW 1-3 (22:25, 22:25, 27:25, 22:25)
2010 Zenit KAZAN vs. Belogorie BELGOROD 3-2 (25:23, 25:18, 25:16).
2011 Lokomotiv NOVOSIBIRSK vs. Zenit KAZAN 0-3 (23:25, 27:29, 21:25)
2012 Zenit KAZAN vs. Lokomotiv NOVOSIBIRSK 3-2 (22:25, 21:25, 25:18, 25:16, 15:10)
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