Russians in a Familiar Place

Russia, with its deep Olympic tradition, and a rejuvenated Chinese team won their women’s volleyball quarterfinals and will meet in the semifinals on Thursday.

Russia defeated the Netherlands, 10-15, 15-7, 15-9, 15-10, and China defeated Germany, 15-12, 15-8, 15-8.

Russia has never finished worse than second at the Olympics, winning four gold and two silver medals as the Soviet Union between 1964 and 1988, missing the 1984 Los Angeles Games because of a boycott. The Unified Team won the silver in 1992.

“We believe we have a chance, not any less than the Chinese,” Russia Coach Nikolai Karpol said.

Evguenia Artamonova led all players with 29 kills and Elena Godina had 25 for the Russians.

Sun Yue had 18 kills in China’s victory.

China beat the United States to win the gold at Los Angeles in 1984, and won the bronze in Seoul. But it finished seventh out of eight teams in Barcelona four years ago.

In the other semifinal, Cuba will play Brazil, a 15-4, 15-2, 15-10 winner over South Korea.