In a hard-fought match, Russia downed hosts Bulgaria in straight sets, 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-19). All the sets, especially the first two, were quite competitive, but in the money time the Russia demonstrated cooler nerves and made fewer mistakes to run away with the win. Roman Murashko leading the way with seven points and some strong blocking by the Russians helped them claim the first set, but it was a spectacular ace by Omar Kurbanov that delivered the winner. In sets two and three, the Bulgarians committed far too many unforced errors, especially in serving, to let the opponents cruise on to a straight-set victory. A monster block by Russian outside hitter Stanislav Dineykin finished the match off.