CHINA DELIGHT HOME CROWD WITH OVERWHELMING STRAIGHT-SET VICTORY AGAINST MONGOLIA

Hangzhou, China, July 1, 2023 – Hosts China delighted the crowd with an exceptional 3-0 (25-11, 25-9, 25-16) victory against Mongolia in the curtain-raiser of the 1st Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship at Linping Sports Centre Gymnasium on Saturday evening.

Chinese opposites Sun Hongyun and Yang Shuming shared the top scorer honours with 16 points each, followed by middle blocker Chen Xiaohui, who delivered 12 spikes and two blocks.

China took advantage of their height and organized tactics, leading the first set at the very beginning while their opponents failed to find an effective solution to the storming attacks and blocks. The host stayed ahead through the set to a 25-11 finish.

Although Mongolia tried hard to shorten the gap from 4-14 behind to 8-15, Sun Hongyun’s impressive performance in service highlighted the second set, helping China conclude it 25-9 following a decisive double block.

The visitors exerted more pressure to China in the third set, catching up all the way from 5-11 to 14-15. More rallies were presented as both sides diversified their skills in offense. Captain Yang Shuming delivered plentiful attacks and China finally finished the set 25-16.

“It is not easy for our players to win as some of them have just finished their high school entrance examination this month. We did not have plentiful time to prepare,” said Kuang Qi, head coach of China.

“Our kids (players) are very excited since it’s their first time to go abroad. It’s a very precious experience for us,” Mongolian head coach Tamiraa Renchin said.

Before the match kicked off Saturday evening, a short but grand Opening Ceremony was held with the attendance of AVC and Local Organizing Committee officials including Mr Shanrit Wongprasert, Honorary Life Vice President and Executive Director of AVC, L, Mr Cai Yi, AVC Senior Executive Vice President, Mr. Zhang Yadong, Vice Director of Zhejiang Sports Bureau and Mr Mao Genhong, Deputy Secretary General of HAGOC and Deputy Secretary General of Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government. Mr Shanrit Wongprasert declared the Championship open.