Netherlands Beats China in Last Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tourney

Netherlands Beats China in Last Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tourney

Dutch women stunned China on Sunday by beating the Atlanta Olympic silver medallists in the women's volleyball last qualifying tournament for the Sydney Olympic Games.

The Dutch spikers needed only 77 minutes to score a 25-22, 25- 20, 25-20 victory over the Chinese, who had to compete at this tournament after finishing fifth in the World Cup earlier this year.

"We know the Chinese are difficult to beat, but they are missing a three-meter attack and that's why we made solid strategy, " said Dutch head coach Pierre Mathieu.

"We were able to play our net defence so good that Wu Yongmei and Li Shan couldn't score. Our three-meter attack, especially by Henriette (Weersing), was very good. She was also very good at the net.

"China took most of their points through serving and our mistakes, but we made a lot of points by serving, blocking and with our defence," he added.

Chinese coach Hu Jin said: "We are confident that we can go to the Olympics. Although we were beaten today, we have some more matches. I'm sure we can go to Sydney."

In other actions on Sunday, Italy beat South Korea 25-10, 26-24, 28-26, Croatia defeated Argentina 25-19, 25-15, 25-12 while Japan beat Canada 25-18, 25-16, 25-15.

The country which finishes top will take the first ticket for Sydney. Then the top Asian country will qualify as Asian qualifiers, and the best two teams among the remaining six countries will get the last two places for the Olympics.