China sweeps Bulgaria in Women's Volleyball Nations League

Zhu Ting (top) of China competes during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

HONG KONG, June 11 (Xinhua) -- China defeated Bulgaria 3-0 (25-15, 25-12, 25-17) in the FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) here on Tuesday, taking home its first win in the final week of the VNL preliminary phase.

Ranking seventh in the world, China suffered two losses from four games in the previous round in Macao, including one to direct Olympic qualification rivals Japan, making the matches in Hong Kong even more crucial to secure a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

With star spiker Zhu Ting in the starting lineup, China easily took the first and second sets with superior attacking play. Bulgaria stepped up its defense in the third set, but failed to keep the momentum and settled for the loss.

China's middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan and outside hitter Li Yingying both scored a game-high 13 points, followed by captain Yuan Xinyue's 12 and Gong Xiangyu's 10. Zhu added six points, while Bulgaria's Dudova scored a team-high of eight points.

China coach Cai Bin told Xinhua that as the tournament enters the third week, Zhu's physical status is getting better, and he will consider putting her in the starting lineup in the following games.

"We did a good job today with sound preparation. We will prepare well for the coming matches," he said.

In the other game on Tuesday, Dominican Republic beat Germany 3-1.

Diao Linyu (R) of China competes during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

Players of China celebrate scoring during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

Zhu Ting (C) of China competes during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

Wang Yuanyuan (top) of China competes during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

Cai Bin (C), head coach of China, instructs players during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

Zhu Ting (R) of China high-fives with teammates before the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Zhu Ting (R) of China competes during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Li Yingying (top R) of China competes during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Wang Yuanyuan (2nd L) of China competes during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Players of China celebrate winning the 1st set during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Yuan Xinyue (R) of China competes during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Zhu Ting (top) of China competes during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Gong Xiangyu (top) of China competes during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Cai Bin (C), head coach of China, instructs players during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Players of China celebrate after winning the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Gong Xiangyu (top L) of China competes during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Gong Xiangyu (R) of China competes during the preliminary match between Bulgaria and China at the Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024 Hong Kong in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)