Poland takes gold

Poland beat the United States 25-17, 26-24, 25-20 on Sunday to win its first gold medal in the World League volleyball finals. No. 4-ranked Poland grabbed the title in its first World League final appearance. Poland won the 1974 world championship and the 1976 Olympic title, but the best it had managed in this competition was a bronze finish last year. The Poles defeated Brazil three sets to two, and Cuba and Bulgaria in straight sets on their way to the final. The Americans were looking for a repeat of 2008, when they won the World League and Olympic titles. Cuba rallied to beat host Bulgaria for the bronze medal earlier in the day. – AP