Zhao Meiling showed masterclass performance from the service line as she led China to a 3-0 (25-7, 25-5, 25-5) win over France at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games women’s sitting volleyball tournament on Tuesday at North Paris Arena.
Zhao topped the scoring with 17 points, prominently from a formidable service game that included 10 of China’s 18 aces, overwhelming the French defence. Her performance was well-supported by teammates Su Limei and Qiu Junfei, who contributed 11 points each. On the French side, Estelle Marsa Gallant managed only three points, highlighting the challenges France faced throughout the match.
Zhao was a dominant force, contributing significantly with her serves, including a notable ace that pushed the score to 8-1. French attempts to rally were hampered by their own errors and the strong Chinese defence, led by Su Limei and Qiu Junfei. As China approached set point at 24-7, a French attack error by Serverine Baillot, gave China the final point, concluding the set at 25-7.
China continued to trouble the French team with their serving, this time with Hu Huizi as the starting server. Early in the set, she delivered multiple aces and winning serves, setting up China for a series of points. The French team struggled to find a rhythm against the aggressive Chinese play. The set ended with Su’s attack at 25-5.
In the third set, Zhao maintained her impressive serving streak, which was pivotal in building a commanding lead. French resistance was minimal, although Anais Rigal and Jenna Agbodjan Prince tried to counter with a few successful plays. However, the set and match ended fittingly with Hu’s attack, sealing the set at 25-5.
Photo: WPV/Sinisa Kanizaj.
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