April 30, 2005 – Despite not having played on Saturday, Belgium joined unbeaten France in advancing through to the second round of the 2006 Women’s World Championship after both teams were guaranteed the top two positions in the first round tournament (Europe Pool C) in Saint-Dié, France. Meanwhile in Tallinn, Estonia, the home side beat Israel to virtually assure themselves of claiming the one ticket on offer through to the 2006 Men’s World Championship second round at the first round tournament - Europe Pool D.

In Saint-Dié, France beat Bosnia Herzegovina 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-9) for their third straight victory of the tournament to guarantee themselves a top-two finish while Finland beat Norway 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-21) leaving France unbeaten on top of the table followed by Finland (two wins and two defeats), Belgium (two wins and a loss), Norway (one victory and two defeats) and Bosnia Herzegovina (three defeats). With Finland having the bye on Sunday, even if France and Belgium both lose their final match, they will both finish either first or second due to a superior set ratio record.

On the final day on Sunday, France play Norway at 18.30 (CET), followed by Belgium taking on Bosnia Herzegovina at 21.00 (CET).

The winner of the tournament will join Greece, Ukraine and another first round team in a second round tournament in June, while the second placed side will head to Azerbaijan in May to play the hosts, Romania and Spain.

Meanwhile, in Tallinn, Estonia’s convincing 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-15) win over Israel, means that only a straight sets loss to Bosnia Herzegovina on the final day on Sunday will jeopardize their ticket through to the second round.

The second game on Saturday saw Albania hand Bosnia Herzegovina their second straight defeat 3-1 (25-23, 25-21, 18-25, 25-22) so, with Sunday’s final day featuring matches between Albania and Israel, and Estonia and Bosnia Herzegovina, only a 3-0 win to both Israel and Bosnia Herzegovina will see Israel advance through to the second round instead of Estonia.

Sunday’s matches will see Israel play Albania at 12.30 (local time) followed by Estonia taking on Bosnia Herzegovina at 15.00(local time).

The winner of the four-team tournament will head to Portugal in May to play with the hosts, Latvia and Austria for a chance to advance to the third round.