Chinese Women Spikers Expected to Take Title: CoachFive former national spikers will lead the Chinese women's volleyball team for their fifth title at the World University Games which get under way in Beijing Wednesday.The Chinese team have won the tournament in 1981, 1987, 1995 and 1999. This time they are still the favorites in the 15-team tournament. The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the knock-out quarter-finals. "Our most dangerous rivals are possibly Russians," said Chinese head coach Lin Yuting here Tuesday. "We are aiming at winning the gold medal at the University Games, relying on experiences of the veterans and support from the home crowd," Lin said. Qiu Aihua, Zhu Yunyin, Chen Jing, Wang Lina and Mao Julan are all former members of the national team. But they were dropped by national team head coach Chen Zhonghe when he built up a younger but highly motivated team two months ago. Altogether 27 men's teams and 15 women's teams have already registered to play in the Universiade tournament. The volleyball competition starts on Wednesday. |
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