The finalists for the 2011 Macao Galaxy Entertainment FIVB World Grand Prix Finals from 24 to 28 August were decided yesterday (21 August) after some exciting actions in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Tokyo. The eight qualified teams are Brazil, USA, Russia, Serbia, Italy, Japan, Thailand and the hosts China.

Four spots for the Finals were still up for grabs after the penultimate day of the 2011 FIVB World Grand Prix preliminary round, with Serbia, Italy, Thailand, Japan, Korea and Poland fighting for their tickets to the prestigious Finals in Macao. Wins for Serbia, Italy and Japan against Korea, Germany and Russia respectively guaranteed their places for the Finals, whilst Thailand's loss against already-qualified Brazil left the door open for Poland to seize the final spot. However, Poland let the opportunity slipped through their fingers as China prevailed in a 3-0 win in the final match of Pool I at the Hong Kong Coliseum.

The eight finalist teams will play in this elite FIVB women's volleyball event at the Macao East Asian Games Dome. The teams are split into two groups and will play in a round-robin system: China, Russia, Serbia and Thailand are in Pool A, whilst Brazil, USA, Italy and Japan are in Pool B. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals on 27 August, and the winners will contest for the title in the Grand Final on 28 August.

All eight teams will start arriving in Macao today (22 August), with Brazil the first in the early hours of the morning. Team China is arriving at around 11:30 am at the Macao Maritime Ferry Terminal, and will attend a promotional event at the Leal Senado Square at around 12:00 pm.

Match Schedule for FINALS