Hangzhou, China, July 6, 2023 – Hosts China and Japan became the only teams unbeaten in the 1st Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship, with the former taking on Chinese Taipei and the latter facing off against Thailand in the do-or-die semifinals on Friday in Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province and the host city for the upcoming Asian Games.
China beat Thailand in straight sets
Japan celebrate hard-fought 3-2 victory against Chinese Taipei
On Thursday, China captured their fourth successive win in the inaugural competition after brushing off Thailand in comfortable straight sets in the Classification 1st-8th Round in Pool E 25-15, 25-12, 25-10 at Hangzhou Normal University Cangqian Gymnasium.
Yang Shuming top-scored with 17 points for China, followed by Sun Hongyun and Chen Xiaohui, who contributed 12 and 9 points respectively for the host side.
“With the enthusiastic crowd supporting us all the way, we played more confidently with one aim in mind, to beat them for a place in the semifinals. Regarding the coming 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 couldn’t overcome the China’s dominant play. We lost one point, then we lost them all,” said Thailand head coach Jarun Niemtubtim.
The other Pool E clash saw Kazakhstan prove a cut above Uzbekistan to pull off sensational straight-set 25-17, 25-22, 25-14 win against Uzbekistan.
Outside hitter Violetta Volga bagged 15 points for Kazakhstan, middle blocker Balaiym Koilybayeva kept good company to add 13 points. Captain Absamatova Zebokhon led Uzbekistan with 11 points.
“Uzbekistan are a good team. We’ve known each other well because we are neighbors,” said Kazakhstan head coach Yergazin Rinad.
In the Classification 1st-8th Round in Pool F at Deqing Sports Centre Gymnasium, Japan survived a huge scare from Chinese Taipei to narrowly ease past the fighting opponents in hard-fought five-set thriller 25-22, 21-25, 24-26, 25-19, 15-10.
Playing with almost the same level in the action-packed clash, Japan and Chinese Taipei presented bouts of thrilling rallies throughout the match. As Chinese Taipei performed impenetrable defence with excellent service which saw them score massive 9 points from ace serves against the rivals’ 1, Japan shone through their powerful attacks…
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