Yugoslavia strike volleyball gold

Nikola and Vladimir Grbic savour volleyball gold

Yugoslavia's male volleyball team gained revenge for their defeat by Russia in the first match of the Games by cruising to the gold medal in straight sets.

They crushed the Russians 25-22, 25-22, 25-20 to reverse the four-set loss inflicted upon them a week ago.

Unlike Russia or the other top-level teams, Yugoslavia didn't have a standout hitter to rely on for easy points.

They relied upon five players who could punish the loose ball and combine well together.

Yugoslavia got to the championship by being mentally stronger than world champion Italy, finding a way and the will to win the close points. They did the same against Russia.

The Russians, behind sensational hitter Roman Yakovlev, led 21-20 in the first game and were tied at 22 in the second, but Yugoslavia pulled away both times.

The third game was no contest. Yugoslav blocker Vladimir Grbic stuffed Yakovlev to give his team a 16-12 lead.

Grbic screamed, ran along the padded barrier and exhorted the crowd.

After it was over, Grbic stripped to his underwear and wrapped the Yugoslav flag around his waist.

The silver medal represents a resurgence by the Russians.

After winning medals in its first six Olympics, including gold in 1964, '66 and '80, the team slumped to seventh in Barcelona and fourth in Atlanta.