July Global Cup: USA rock steady, samba time with Brazil!
The USA ended the month of July even more secure in their Global Cup lead, which now stretches to 1.897 weighted GSN points over the new pursuers, Russia, who sneaked ahead of Canada, now third.
While the USA scored points in Tennis (at Wimbledon, especially the ladies tournament), Swimming (the World Championships, see Swimming) and Beach Volleyball, the Eastern European nation leapt up from 5th place thanks to a strong showing in the Swimming and Diving World Championships, in the Water Polo World Championships and in the Climbing World Championships, not to mention their victory in the Giro d’Italia, one of Road Cycling’s seasonal classics.
Whilst the two super powers confirm their 2008 overall leadership positions, also the other top ten nations, give or take a few places, remain pretty much unchanged, with the exception of Austria and Switzerland who drop several places.
This month’s undoubted star performer is Brazil, however. From zero points at the end of June the South Americans amassed 662 Global Cup points in one single month: victories in the Volleyball men’s World League, the 50m and 100m men Freestyle at the World Swimming Championships, and second place both in the men and ladies World Beach Volley Championships, meant Brazil flew up to 17th place overall. They still have 7 positions to climb to match their 2008 final placing in the Global Cup, but with July’s spree they are well on their way.
