Russia's Tatiana Kosheleva strikes against the Brazilian block on the opening day of the 2017 FIVB Women's World Grand Champions Cup.
Lausanne, Switzerland, Septermber 5, 2017 - Japan host Russia Wednesday in Tokyo to wrap up Day 2 of the 2017 FIVB Women's World Grand Champions Cup in what is the fifth time the two sides go head-to-head in the history of the competition. Russia won the first three of their previous matches, but Japan scored their first win in 2013. Japan can go 2-0 in this years competition after their opening day win over Korea, but Russia will be looking for theri first victory after falling to Brazil.
Head-to-Head• Russia and Japan have met four times at the Grand Champions Cup. Russia won the first three meetings. In 1993, they needed five sets while they won in straight sets in 1997 and 2001.
• In 2013, their most recent meeting at the Grand Champions Cup, Japan won 3-1.
• They most recently met at the 2017 World Grand Prix with Japan prevailing in five sets after coming 2-0 behind.
Russia• Russia started with a 3-1 defeat against Brazil at the 2017 Grand Champions Cup.
• They have now failed to win their opener in four of their five participations in the competition.
• In total, they have now lost their last four grand Champions Cup matches.
• Russia have never lost their second match in their previous four appearances at the Grand Champions Cup, beating Japan (1993, 1997), Brazil (2001) and Dominican Republic (2013).
• The Russians have won at least one set in each of their 21 matches at the Grand Champions Cup.
• Russia's last podium at a world level tournament came at the 2015 World Grand Prix (second). This year, they finished in ninth place at the World Grand Prix.
Japan• Japan won their 2017 Grand Champions Cup opener against Korea in straight sets.
• It was for the sixth time in seven participations Japan won their opening match in the competition. Only in 2001 they won their first two matches.
• Japan's last three victories in the Grand Champions Cup all came in straight sets. In total they won six matches by 3-0 and seven by 3-1. Japan have yet to win a five-setter in the competition.
• Japan finished seventh in the 2017 World Grand Prix, but managed to win the Asian Championship a month later. Their last top three finish at a world level tournament was a second place in the 2014 World Grand Prix.