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Kevin Kung

Chinese team coach Lang Ping says her side is using the volleyball World Grand Prix as a rehearsal for the Olympic qualifying event next month, after they beat Thailand on the opening day of the Hong Kong leg on Thursday night.
In front of a full house at the Hong Kong Coliseum, China and the United States remained undefeated in the preliminary rounds of the series.
We will take this and the upcoming two matches as preparation for the World Cup
Lang Ping, China coach
China triumphed 3-0 against Thailand, while the reigning world champions overcame Japan’s challenge in straight sets.
The mainlanders showed their class in the first two sets, winning 25-18 and 25-14.
In the third set, unforced errors on the Chinese side put their victory on temporary hold before they won the deuce 27-25.
Lang said her side did a good job in blocking, but made a number of service mistakes.
“We also had attacking errors in the third set. To be a strong team, stability is crucial. I hope we can raise our game in the coming two matches,” said Lang.
“We will take this and the upcoming two matches [against Japan and the US] as preparation for the World Cup [Olympic qualifying tournament].”
The US were forced to work hard for their victory.
After winning the first two sets 25-23 and 25-22, they were almost dragged into a fourth – at one point trailing 21-24 in the third set.Eventually they were able to save set points and seal the match, taking the third 26-24.
Christa Dietzen, captain of the US team, said their patience helped them prevail on the day.
I thought we stayed patient throughout the match. I think that’s a tribute to what we have been working at in the gym
Christa Dietzen, US coach
“Japan always play very hard. They are very difficult team. They can frustrate big teams like us,” said Dietzen.
“I thought we stayed patient throughout the match. I think that’s a tribute to what we have been working at in the gym.”
The US will meet Thailand on Friday night, before the clash between China and Japan.


Winning starts for China and the US at Hong Kong volleyball Grand Prix

Top teams get off to winning starts in comfortable opening round of matches

Winning starts for China and the US at Hong Kong volleyball Grand Prix

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Top teams get off to winning starts in comfortable opening round of matches

Top teams get off to winning starts in comfortable opening round of matches