Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2148536/zhu-ting-makes-difference-again-china-score-their-second-straight
Sport/ Hong Kong

Zhu Ting shines brightest as China’s volleyball stars blow rivals Japan away in Hong Kong leg of Nations League

The world’s most expensive player in superb form as she leads the mainlanders to another comprehensive victory before a partisan crowd at the Coliseum

The world’s most expensive player in superb form as she leads the mainlanders to another comprehensive victory before a partisan crowd at the Coliseum

China dominated from the first point in a partisan Hong Kong Coliseum where they beat Japan 3-0 in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League on Wednesday night.

The world’s number one team, led by returning captain Zhu Ting, scored a comprehensive 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-17) win before a capacity crowd.

The second win from two games in Hong Kong leaves China 5-3 in the series and hitting form as the finals in Nanjing loom on the horizon in late June. China qualify automatically as hosts but three points from this win leaves them inside the top six on the table and four points clear of Russia with another victory expected on day three.

China’s Hu Mingyuan spikes past the Japan defence.
China’s Hu Mingyuan spikes past the Japan defence.

Lang Ping’s side dominated Asia’s second best team and finished the job inside 90 minutes to the delight of the crowd. Zhu, 23, gave the home fans what they wanted, top scoring with 19 attacking points and covering every inch of court as she displayed her full range of skills.

No other Chinese player scored more than five attacking points, although Gong Xiangyu led the way with five blocks. Zhu attempted 34 spikes but found time to dig the ball out for teammates, with two monster examples from the back court in the third set.

Japan gave away too many points from errors, 24 points in all, and failed to gain any points from blocks as China, with Zhu leading the way, showed their power at the net. Japan’s Ai Kurogo matched Zhu’s 19 attacking points while Mami Uchiseto added 13 but they were rather one dimensional in comparison to their opponents and take nothing from the game.

Japan’s Yuki Ishii (right) attacks at the net against China.
Japan’s Yuki Ishii (right) attacks at the net against China.

China face Italy in their final game in Hong Kong on Thursday evening while Japan will hope to secure a win over Argentina. Earlier on the second day of the three day stop in the city Italy had made light work of the South American side winning while Japan will hope to secure a win over Argentina. Earlier on the second day of the three day stop in the city Italy had made light work of the South American side winning 3-0 with scores of to lift them ahead of Japan in ninth on the table as they hope to make the final six. The Italians beat Argentina 25-15, 25-16, 25-18.

The next stop for China after Hong Kong takes them to Jiangmen, Guangdong.