ST. PETERSBURG, 20 December 2005 — Russia beat Romania 28-23 to win the women’s world handball championships here yesterday.
It was the 10th consecutive victory for the Russian women and they impressed by not losing a single match during the whole competition. Romania were also unbeaten till the final defeat. On the way, Yevgeny Trefilov’s team beat 2004 Olympic gold and silver medalists Denmark and South Korea, as well as European champions Norway and bronze medalists Hungary. In front of a packed crowd, it was the Romanians who opened the scoring in the first minute thanks to Valentina Ardean Nilsei, who was voted the best left-winger of the tournament. She added a second shortly afterward to give Romania a 2-0 lead.
However, the Russians started testing Romanian keeper Luminita Dinu, who let in three goals to allow Russia to come back at 3-2. Gheorghe Tadici’s women started to tire and Russia gained the upper hand to go in 17-12 ahead at the break.
The Russian defensive unit was solid and made the Romanians work hard. Russia’s Ludmila Bodnieva, voted best player of the tournament, was in particular having a great game for the home side.
The Russians led 27-19 and though the Romanians had a late scoring flurry, the outcome was never in doubt and the winners did a lap of honor in front of their celebrating fans.
