Canada edges China in five-set women's VNL thriller

Nyadholi Thokbuom (1st L) of Canada competes during the Pool 8 match between China and Canada at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 in Hong Kong, south China, July 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

HONG KONG, July 8 (Xinhua) -- World No. 11 Canada outlasted No. 7 China in a five-set thriller on Wednesday to earn its sixth victory in the preliminary phase of the Women's Volleyball Nations League.

Kiera Van Ryk scored 27 points, while Alexa Gray and Abagayle Guezen added 24 and 22, respectively, as Canada prevailed 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 15-11 to improve to 6-3.

After the teams split the opening two sets, they were tied at 22-22 in the third before Gray delivered three straight kills to give Canada a two-sets-to-one lead.

China responded in the fourth. Trailing 16-13, the team rallied behind four kills from Tang Xin and a block by Wang Yuanyuan on Van Ryk to move ahead 18-16. Canada closed to within 24-22 after Guezen's attack sailed long, but Tang sealed the set with a smash to force a deciding fifth set.

China led 4-2 in the tiebreak before Canada responded with a 10-4 run to take a 12-8 advantage and held on to secure the victory.

Tang led China with 22 points, while Zhuang Yushan added 19.

Canada dominated at the net with 77 attack points compared with China's 55.

Earlier Wednesday, Belgium edged the Dominican Republic 3-2 and Italy defeated Ukraine 3-1.

The preliminary phase features 18 teams competing across multiple venues. Host China and the top seven other teams in the standings will advance to the finals, scheduled for July 22 to 26 in Macao, China.

The United States and Brazil lead the standings at 8-1, followed by Italy and Türkiye at 7-2.

Team Canada pose for photos after winning the Pool 8 match between China and Canada at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 in Hong Kong, south China, July 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Players of both team greet each other after the Pool 8 match between China and Canada at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 in Hong Kong, south China, July 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Players of China celebrate during the Pool 8 match between China and Canada at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 in Hong Kong, south China, July 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Zhao Yong (C), head coach of China, gives instructions during the Pool 8 match between China and Canada at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 in Hong Kong, south China, July 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Wang Yuanyuan (1st R) of China and Jazmine Ruth White (2nd L) of Canada compete during the Pool 8 match between China and Canada at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 in Hong Kong, south China, July 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

Players of Canada celebrate winning during the Pool 8 match between China and Canada at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 in Hong Kong, south China, July 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Players of Canada celebrate during the Pool 8 match between China and Canada at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 in Hong Kong, south China, July 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Dong Yuhan (Top L) of China competes during the Pool 8 match between China and Canada at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 in Hong Kong, south China, July 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Anna Smrek of Canada competes during the Pool 8 match between China and Canada at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 in Hong Kong, south China, July 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)