CHINA CRUISE PAST THAILAND TO TOP POOL E IN ASIAN WOMEN’S U16 CHAMPIONSHIP

Hangzhou, China, July 6, 2023 – Hosts China claimed their fourth successive win in the 1st Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship after powering past Thailand in comfortable straight sets 25-15, 25-12, 25-10 to top Pool E in the Classification 1st-8th Round at Hangzhou Normal University Cangqian Gymnasium here on Thursday evening.

Yang Shuming top-scored with 17 points for the host outfits, while Sun Hongyun and Chen Xiaohui contributed 12 and 9 points respectively for the winning side.

Thailand made a solid start with their fine attacks to match up with the hosts at 10-10. However, China’s Yang Shuming and Chen Xiaohui were on fire uncorking several devastating attacks.

Despite near-flawless retrieving, the visitors could not cope with the much stronger Chinese spectacular attacks to succumb to the first set loss 15-25.

Utilizing their height advantage, China ramped up pressure on Thailand with constant monster blocks in the second set, facilitating themselves to continually find their best form and the set in easier fashion 25-12.

It became the similar script in the third set as China powered their way to race to the commanding lead with 13-point clear at 19-6, thanks to their impeccable defence, leaving Thailand little chance to stage a fightback attempt. As expected, China showed their consistency and resilience to capture the one-sided set 25-10 and match.

“With the enthusiastic crowd supporting us, we played more and more confidently. Regarding our next matches, we will spare no efforts to prepare and play our utmost on court,” said Chen Xiaohui, China’s middle blocker, at the Mixed Zone.

“In the first set, we tried to narrow the gap and bring what we’ve practiced to the court. But we found it very difficult to overcome the China’s dominant play. We lost one point, then we lost them all,” said Thailand head coach Jarun Niemtubtim.