Date:25/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/25/stories/2008082556881900.htm

Sport - Volleyball

U.S. defeats Brazil, takes the gold

BEIJING: The U.S. men’s volleyball team won the Olympic gold medal to complete a perfect run in the tournament by beating defending champion Brazil.

The Americans captured their third gold medal in the sport with a 20-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-23 final victory.

The U.S. run came after coach Hugh McCutcheon’s father-in-law was fatally stabbed in Beijing the day before competition started.

After the United States clinched the final point, McCutcheon briefly hugged his teammates. Then buried his head in his hands and walked off the court.

Russia won the bronze medal earlier in the day with a 25-22, 25-19, 25-23 victory over Italy. — Agencies