Chinese Women Spikers Take Fifth Title at UniversiadeReigning champions China clinched its fifth title by storming back from the brink of defeat to beat Russia 3-1 here Thursday in the finals of the women's volleyball at the 21st World University Games.The Chinese women spikers, crowned by fighting back from two sets to upset the Russians at Palma de Mallorca Games two years ago, scored a 25-17, 25-18, 15-25, 25-10 victory over the Russians. "It's a match between Russians' height and our quickness and change, and it turned out to be in our favor," Chinese coach Lin Yuting said. "Our players today did their best," he added. Lin's opponent Mikhail Omelchenko, Russian coach said:"The Chinese played very well today, I should send my congratulations to them." Explaining reasons of defeat, he said:"We are not accustomed to the gymnasium. The players are in low spirits in the gymnasium." It is the fifth title for the Chinese women spikers at Universiade after their victories at 1981, 1987, 1995 and 1999 games respectively. China fielded their first line-up composed of two national spikers and three former national players, from the beginning of the first set to the end. Knowing their disadvantage against the Russians in terms of height and power, the Chinese focused on their big serving and quick attacks to cope with the Russians and the tactics got sweet respond. With their receives handling the Russians' serves easily, China's setter Chu Yunying utilized all her teams attacking options. The Chinese, supported by home audience in the Capital Gymnasium, showed no mercy on their opponents in the first two sets behind Russians errors and its own excellent performance. A frustrated and disorganized Russian team changed ends two sets down. The third set opened with Russian team in full fight by using their effective spiking and blocking to stop any Chinese attacks. The hosts had to give up the set 25-15 with ease. But the stubborn Chinese regained their form with its sound defense and powerful serving, leaving no chance to Russians to turn the table in the following set. The fourth set turned out to be a one-sided match, seeing the Chinese marching from 8-4 to 19-7 lead. With a spike from ace spiker Wang Lina and a block from setter Zhun Yunying, the Chinese won the set and the 74-minute tussle. In the play-off for the bronze medal, Thailand, ranked 6th at Palmas Games two years ago, came from one set down to stun the Brazlians 25-27, 25-17, 25-23 and 25-10. Japan finished fifth by outgunning Chinese Taipei while Canada toppled Spain 3-1 to place seventh. |
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