Intro:

European champions Vakifbank Istanbul captured their first FIVB Women's Club World Championship by defeating Unilever Volei from Brazil in straight sets (25-23, 27-25, 25-16) in front of 2,000 fans at the Saalsporthalle in Zurich on Sunday (October 13).

Script:

The climax to the FIVB Women's Club World Championship - and little to separate Vakifbank Istanbul and Unilever Volei throughout much of the opening two sets.

The pair had met in Pool B of qualifiying - with the Turks coming out on top by three-sets-to-one.

Unilever Volei closed to 23-22 in the first set. But Istanbul held firm, taking it 25-23.

Showing no sign of fatigue after a tough tournament, Istanbul roared ahead 10-6 in the second set.

But back came the Brazilians - Istanbul needed three setpoints to secure a two-set cushion - 27-25.

The South Americans had come as close as they would in the third, as they struggled.

Istanbul took an early 8-4 lead - and extended that lead to 18-11 later.

The European champions's superstar Jovena Brakocevic soared high and launched a fierce smash deep into Unilever's back-court.

Amanda could do little about it - and the Turks jumped for joy.

The set was theirs at 25-16, and with it they had their first world title.