China beats Thailand to reach women's volleyball final

Wu Mengjie (L) of China spikes the ball during the women's volleyball semifinal match between China and Thailand at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Komaki, Japan, Sept. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Cen Yunpeng)

NAGOYA, Japan, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- China edged Thailand 3-2 in the women's volleyball semifinals at the 2026 Asian Games on Monday, avenging its defeat in last month's Asian Championship final and advancing to the gold-medal match.

China started strongly and built a four-point lead in the opening set, but Thailand responded with improved attacking and blocking. The teams remained level from 12-12 through 18-18 before Thailand pulled away to take the set 25-23.

China regained its composure in the second set, using quick attacks to establish a lead of about four points and holding on to win 25-21 to level the match.

China took control in the third, opening a lead of more than 10 points before cruising to a 25-11 victory and a 2-1 advantage.

The fourth set was much tighter, with neither side able to pull clear. The teams were tied at 26-26 before Thailand produced strong serving at crucial moments to take the set 28-26 and forced a decider.

China dominated the fifth set, using aggressive attacks to steadily extend its lead before closing out the match 15-6.

China head coach Zhao Yong said his players maintained their determination throughout the match.

"Both sides played a fantastic match, but our players showed a slightly greater hunger for victory on the court," Zhao said.

China reached the semifinals with a 3-0 victory over Vietnam in Sunday's quarterfinals, while newly crowned Asian champion Thailand advanced after sweeping Indonesia.

Monday's semifinal was a rematch of last month's Asian Championship final in Tianjin, China, where Thailand overtook China 3-2 to secure its first ever Olympic berth in women's volleyball.

Players of China celebrate during the women's volleyball semifinal match between China and Thailand at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Komaki, Japan, Sept. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Cen Yunpeng)

Players of China celebrate during the women's volleyball semifinal match between China and Thailand at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Komaki, Japan, Sept. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Cen Yunpeng)

Zhuang Yushan (L) of China competes during the women's volleyball semifinal match between China and Thailand at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Komaki, Japan, Sept. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Cen Yunpeng)

Players of China celebrate during the women's volleyball semifinal match between China and Thailand at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Komaki, Japan, Sept. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Cen Yunpeng)

Gong Xiangyu (C) of China spikes the ball during the women's volleyball semifinal match between China and Thailand at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Komaki, Japan, Sept. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Cen Yunpeng)

Players of China celebrate after the women's volleyball semifinal match between China and Thailand at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Komaki, Japan, Sept. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

Players of China (R) and Thailand compete during the women's volleyball semifinal match at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Komaki, Japan, Sept. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

Players of China celebrate after the women's volleyball semifinal match between China and Thailand at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Komaki, Japan, Sept. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

Players of China celebrate during the women's volleyball semifinal match between China and Thailand at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Komaki, Japan, Sept. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)