On Friday, May 16th, in the semi-finals of the European Champions League, Perugia (Italy), where Ishikawa Yuki plays, defeated Halkbank Ankara (Turkey) 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-22) and advanced to the finals. Ishikawa was in the starting lineup and contributed to the victory by scoring 20 points, the most for both teams.
After the match, we spoke with Perugia's outside hitter, Ishikawa Yuki.
Interview with Yuki Ishikawa
T: Congratulations on the victory. First of all, this was your first time in three games as a starter. When did you know you would be in the starting lineup?
Ishikawa: It was when Semeniuk got a slight injury.
T: You won today's match 3-0. How do you feel looking back on the game?
Ishikawa: I started off really badly. My reception was particularly poor, so that's something I need to reflect on. From there, my serves and attacks were really good. I think I was able to improve my reception a little in the second and third sets, so I guess it wasn't so bad.
T: Especially in terms of attack, you scored 20 points today, the most of any team. I had the impression that your pipe attacks (back attacks from the center) were particularly effective, but what do you think was the reason for your strong attack today?
Ishikawa: It went just like we practiced, and I think we had a very good practice where we were able to achieve a high success rate, so I think that helped us in the match.
T: This time it's being held in Poland, where I played in the VNL Finals with the national team two years ago and last year, and won medals two years in a row. And today was another great performance. Do you still have a good impression of Poland?
Ishikawa: Yes, I have a very good impression of Poland. It's the place where we can get our first result. First of all, we need to win on Sunday. It's my first time in the Champions League, and Perugia has never won the Champions League, and I don't think there are any Japanese players who have won the Champions League, so I want to prepare to make history.
*No Japanese male player has ever won the tournament, but both Japanese women, Saori Kimura and Nanami Seki, have won the tournament.
T: After a day's break, you'll face the final match. Your opponent hasn't been decided yet, but how will you prepare for the final?
Ishikawa: First of all, I cramped up my leg today, so I need to rest up and prepare myself so that I can be in the best condition for Sunday. I want to have a good time.
T: No matter who wins, the final will be a completely away game.
Ishikawa: That's for sure. I think it will definitely be an away game. But it will be fun to play against a Polish team, and I think the venue will be packed because the Polish team will definitely be there. I want to give my best performance under those circumstances.
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Photo: CEV, TOSHIKI
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