Hangzhou, China, July 3, 2023 – Kazakhstan secured the remaining Top 8 berth in Pool C after terrific comeback 3-2 (29-31, 23-25, 25-11, 25-14, 17-15) victory against Hong Kong, China in their last preliminary round of the 1st Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship at Linping Sports Centre Gymnasium Monday here.
With captain Sum Yuen Tang firing some lightning-fast attacks, Hong Kong, China took the initiative to an early 3-0 lead in the first set. Kazakhstan committed unforced errors often and were trailing behind all the way until 17-20. However, thanks to Karina Balmukhambetova’s effective serves, Kazakhstan captured the lead for the first time 22-21. From then on, the lead changed hands before Kazakhstan committed two consecutive attacking errors which cost them dear. Hong Kong, China claimed the closely-contested opening set 31-29.
Going down one set, Kazakhstan still could not hold their nerves, allowing their opponents many attacks to trail 3-7. To improve on their tactics and form, Kazakhstan asked for a timeout and their intention worked out well after that. The Kazakhs fought back to level it at 18-18. After a few smashes, Hong Kong, China still had enough to hold the opponents off with their double blocks to reach the set point at 24-21. They allowed Kazakhstan only two set points saved before outside hitter Kai Yu Lin attacked devastatingly to help Hong Kong, China grab the thrilling set 25-23 for two sets in a row.
Kazakhstan came to life in the third set as they overcame their unforced errors and came up with efficient attacks. The set turned out to be a lopsided battle which Kazakhstan took only 20 minutes for the easy 25-11 win.
In the fourth set, middle blocker Balaiym Koilybayeva produced three well-placed serves in the beginning, helping Kazakhstan gain the upper hand for an impressive 9-2 lead. Hong Kong, China made their prompt reply with Hoi Ching Michelle Yiu’s great serves, narrowing the margin 7-10. However, the Kazakhs increasingly gained their confidence to deal with such difficult situation. They took the height and strength advantage to widen the gap and from there, never looked back to win the set 25-14, forcing the tie-breaker.
Captain Sum Yuen Tang became a major force for Hong Kong, China in the decider. Both teams poured everything to win the sete. However, with Yat Ching Maggie Lam attacking effectively from the right wing, Hong Kong China took the commanding lead and almost came within a whisker of…
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