History was made at Victoria Park on Saturday as Fujian's Xue Chen and Zeng Jinjin secured the first gold medal awarded in the Hong Kong SAR during China's 15th National Games. The dynamic beach volleyball duo overcame Nanjing's Yan Xu and Zhou Mingli in a gripping 2-1 final that showcased athleticism and determination.
The champions dominated the first set 21-15, only to face a fierce comeback as their opponents leveled with a 21-13 second-frame victory. The decisive third set saw spectacular rallies and defensive heroics, culminating in a 15-9 triumph for Fujian that brought spectators to their feet.
'This victory represents years of preparation,' Zeng told reporters after the match, revealing the pair had battled injuries during their year-long training regimen. The win marks Xue's sixth National Games appearance and Zeng's third.
In the bronze medal contest, Xinjiang's Wang Jingzhe and Xia Xinyi secured third place with a straight-sets victory over Jiangsu's team. The event marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong's role in hosting national sporting competitions, with seven more National Games events scheduled in the region.
