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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, June 29, 2002

Young Chinese Team Disposed of in World League

World League returnee China was defeated by Italy in five sets in its opening match in the 13th International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World League at the Beijing Aviation University Gymnasium on Friday.


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Young Chinese Team Disposed of in World League
World League returnee China was defeated by Italy in five sets in its opening match in the 13th International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World League at the Beijing Aviation University Gymnasium on Friday.

After a five-year absence, China returned to the league under the guidance of former national team setter Di Anhe, whose squad boasts young talent with an average age of under 23, but towering over 2 meters.

China started off well and took an early lead in the first set against former World League Champion Italy and won the set 27-25. The host team attempted to continue its momentum in the second but the plodding tactics was totally overwhelmed by the visitor. Italy took the second set 25-23 to make it 1-1.

It took a magnificent effort from China's blocking and serving to win the third set 25-18, but lacking the experience against world powerhouse, the young Chinese team made lots of unforced errors in blocking and conceded the fourth set 25-11 swiftly.

The fifth set was mere repetition of the fourth as the visitor firmly held on its advantage and won 15-8.

Italy, competing in its 13th straight World Leagues and having won 8 titles, lost to Brazil in last year's final at Katowice, Poland, but it still reigns as the most dominant of the World League sides.

China will face Spain and Venezuela in Pool B in the intercontinental round of the league and challenge Italy again in the second round on Sunday.


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