Hong Kong, June 12, 2024, The Europe Today: China secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Bulgaria (25-15, 25-12, 25-17) in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Tuesday, marking its first win in the final week of the VNL preliminary phase.
Ranked seventh globally, China entered the match following two losses from four games in the previous round in Macao, including a critical defeat to Olympic qualification rivals Japan. These matches in Hong Kong are pivotal for China as it strives to secure a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
With star spiker Zhu Ting in the starting lineup, China exhibited superior attacking play, easily clinching the first and second sets. Although Bulgaria bolstered its defense in the third set, it could not sustain the momentum, culminating in a straight-sets loss.
China’s middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan and outside hitter Li Yingying led the scoring with 13 points each, followed by captain Yuan Xinyue with 12 points and Gong Xiangyu with 10. Zhu Ting contributed six points, while Bulgaria’s Dudova was the top scorer for her team with eight points.
China’s coach Cai Bin expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting Zhu Ting’s improving physical condition. “We did a good job today with sound preparation. We will prepare well for the coming matches,” he told Xinhua.
In another match on Tuesday, the Dominican Republic defeated Germany 3-1.
This victory is a crucial step for China as it moves forward in the VNL, with hopes of securing its place in the upcoming Olympic Games.
