Italian volleyball powerhouse Imoco Volley Conegliano secured a sweeping 3-0 victory over Tianjin Bohai Bank to lift the FIVB Club World Championship trophy in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province on Sunday. The match ended with set scores of 25-21, 25-15, and 25-20, marking Conegliano’s third world title in four appearances at the competition.
Tianjin Bohai Bank, representing the Chinese mainland, achieved a historic runner-up finish—the best performance by a Chinese team in the history of the event. The match showcased high-level play from both sides, drawing enthusiastic support from fans worldwide.
Tianjin took an early lead midway through the first set but couldn’t maintain the momentum, allowing Conegliano to rally and take the set 25-21. In the second set, Conegliano’s powerful jump serves challenged Tianjin’s receivers, resulting in a decisive 25-15 win for the Italian side. Conegliano continued to dominate in the third set, sealing the championship with a 25-20 victory.
Swedish star Isabelle Haak, opposite spiker for Conegliano, was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. The 25-year-old led a lineup of seven outstanding players honored as part of the symbolic “Dream Team” during the awarding ceremony. Chinese star spiker Zhu Ting and Tianjin captain Li Yingying, who contributed 12 points in the final, were both named “Best Outside Hitters.”
“No matter which side wins, this final was a fantastic match. I think everyone did a great job,” Zhu Ting commented after the match. “I’m happy that our team has improved so much and played impressively. Although the result determined the champions, I think everyone is a winner.”
The championship concludes a thrilling tournament that highlighted the growing competitiveness of volleyball clubs from the Chinese mainland on the international stage. Fans and players alike are already looking forward to next year’s competition.
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Italy's Conegliano lifts Club World Championship trophy in Hangzhou
cgtn.com
