Volleyball: Russia survive Dominican fright

World champions Russia were given an almighty scare by the Dominican Republic before claiming their second win of the Games yesterday.

The Russian women were rocked by a vibrant Dominican side before winning 3-1. They took the third set in dramatic fashion and had the chance to take the fourth, only for the experience and size of the Russians to hold sway.

It was the flamboyant style of the Dominicans that delighted the Earls Court spectators, though. They had power of their own too, with the 26 points of Bethania de la Cruz de Pena outscoring any of the Russia players. But Russia got the job done, thanks in no small part to their front-line defence. Ekaterina Gamova blocked six times and Maria Borisenko and Maria Perepelkina contributed four kills.