HANGZHOU, July 7 (Xinhua) -- China advanced to the final of the inaugural Asian Girl's U16 Volleyball Championship here on Friday, registering a straight-set 25-18, 25-17, 25-18 triumph over Chinese Taipei.
Yang Shuming, captain and opposite spiker of Team China, exhibited outstanding individual performance, accumulating a game-high 25 points. Her precise shots at pivotal moments contributed significantly to the team's victory.
Securing the win also earns China a place in the 2024 FIVB Girl's U17 World Championship, as the top three finishers in the Hangzhou tournament qualify for the global event.
The match had a slow start, with both teams' scores locked for a while. However, China pulled ahead with four consecutive points midway, leading Chinese Taipei by six. Following a timeout at 20-15, Yang made three spikes to pace China to the set point, ending the first set with a serving ace.
The second set witnessed fierce competition, with Chinese Taipei even securing a brief one-point lead. After a tie at 15-all, China pulled ahead by five points before claiming it with ease.
In the early third set, both teams were evenly matched over the net amidst the fervor of the crowd. Yet, China maintained remarkable stability and, with two successful smashes from Yang, they clinched the victory.
Earlier on Friday, Japan defeated Thailand 3-0 in the other semifinal, thereby also qualifying for the 2024 world championship.
In Pool F, Hong Kong, China logged its first win at the championship, overpowering Australia 25-12, 25-13, 25-20.
In other matches on Friday, Kazakhstan swept Macao, China with a 25-4, 25-9, 25-12 victory, while Iran triumphed over Uzbekistan, 25-9, 25-19, 25-20.
China will compete for the gold medal against Japan on Saturday, while Thailand faces Chinese Taipei for the bronze medal as well as the last ticket to the U17 World Championship. ■
