China overcomes Netherlands in five-set thriller at women's volleyball worlds

Players of China greet each other prior to the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

ROTTERDAM, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- China got the better of the Netherlands in a breathtaking five-set clash at the women's volleyball World Championship here on Thursday to claim its second win in as many matches in the second phase of the group stage.

Trailing 14-10 in the deciding set, the Netherlands saved two match points before captain middle blocker Yuan Xinyue's spike sealed the 22-25, 25-21, 25-15, 18-25, 15-12 victory for China in a rematch of the bronze medal game of the 2018 worlds.

Outside hitter Li Yingying scored a match-high 23 points with four other Chinese players hitting double digits. Outside hitter Anne Buijs was the host team's top scorer with 18 points.

The Rio Olympic champions return to second place in the pool after the win, with a 6-1 win-loss record, behind top-ranked Italy and ahead of Brazil, who defeated Puerto Rico in straight sets earlier on Thursday.

Top four teams in the pool, which also features Japan, Belgium and Argentina, will advance to the last eight. China will face Italy on Saturday before taking on Belgium the following day. 

Cai Bin (L), head coach of China, talks to Yuan Xinyue during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Diao Linyu (R) and Yuan Xinyue of China react during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Wang Mengjie of China passes the ball during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Wang Mengjie (C) of China celebrates scoring during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Li Yingying (C) of China spikes the ball during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Li Yingying (L) of China spikes the ball during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Li Yingying China serves during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Players of China celebrate after winning the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Wang Yunlu (L) of China spikes the ball during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

A mascot interacts with Chinese fans during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

A Polish supporter for China is seen during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Li Yingying (L) of China competes during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Diao Linyu (R) and Yuan Xinyue (C) of China celebrate scoring during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Players of both sides compete during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and the Netherlands at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)