CHINA CONTINUE UNBEATEN RUN AT ASIAN WOMEN’S U16 CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 3-0 DEMOLITION OF KAZAKHSTAN

Hangzhou, China, July 4, 2023 – Boosted by over 1,200 screaming and cheering spectators inside Linping Sports Centre Gymnasium, hosts China pulled off a scintillating straight-set 25-13, 25-14, 25-6 win against Kazakhstan in the Pool E classification round of the 1st Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship held on Tuesday evening.

Promising spiker Yang Shuming led the China’s charge with 15 points from 10 attacks, one block and 4 aces, while Han Wanshuo and Chen Xiaohui kept good company to add 13 and 11 points respectively. Violetta Volga scored a team-high 8 points on the Kazakhstan’s loss.

Both sides came into the first set with their similar level to trade points until 8-8 tie. Sun Hongyun unleashed successive two aces to help China jump to a 13-10 lead. Kazakhstan requested a timeout while trailing 11-15 to improve their game plan. However, China had an excellent combination between setter Zhang Zixuan and middle blocker Chen Xiaohui, with the latter penetrating the rivals’ defence into shreds with her exceptional attacks. Kazakhstan asked for the second timeout at 13-23, but their intention was in vain seeing the opponents seal the convincing first set 25-13.

In the second set, China played more confidently and surged to an initial 8-3 lead. Kazakhstan reinforced their blocking and attacking to narrow the margin to 8-10. However, the Chinese adjusted themselves quickly for another scoring opportunity, extending to 15-9. Kazakhstan fought hard but still became more prone to unforced mistakes. China maintained their momentum to comfortably capture the second set 25-14.

China demonstrated their diversified attacks in the third set, racing to a commanding lead with seven points advantage at 8-1. Despite putting up a gallant fight, Kazakhstan found the host side too hot to handle before going down in a completely one-sided affair 6-25.

“We played a little bit tight in the beginning today, but later we played all out,” said Kuang Qi, head coach of China, at the Mixed Zone. “The home crowd boosted our team morale today. We can feel their passion and enthusiasm. It helped us a lot. This is what we need as hosts.”

“My girls played a tough match today. We performed well in the first two sets. But China are a very strong team. It is a good lesson for us to play with team like China,” said Jarlagassov Timur, team manager of Kazakhstan, after the match.