Tianjin Bohai Bank etched its name into volleyball history by becoming the first Chinese team to reach the final of the Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB) Women’s Club World Championship. They triumphed over Brazil’s Dentil Praia Clube with a 3-1 victory in Hangzhou on Saturday.
Entering the tournament as the third-place finisher from the previous edition, Tianjin Bohai Bank carried a renewed sense of confidence. Key player and captain Li Yingying had faced injury concerns earlier in the season, but a period of rest allowed the star spiker to return to form. Her significant contributions helped Tianjin secure an impressive five-game winning streak to conclude the regular season in the China Volleyball League.
The fatigue from their domestic campaign was apparent, yet Tianjin’s experience bred resilience and determination. In the group stage of the Club World Championship, the team advanced without dropping a single set, a feat that greatly boosted their morale and reinforced the trust between the players and head coach Chen Fang.
Against the formidable Dentil Praia Clube in the semifinals, Tianjin focused on solid service receptions, creating ample scoring opportunities for Li Yingying. Rising to the occasion, Li delivered a match-high 32 points, with 10 of them coming in a dominant first set performance.
Although the team’s energy dipped in the third set—allowing their opponents to snatch a set and avoid a sweep—Tianjin swiftly regained composure in the fourth. They denied Dentil Praia any chance of a comeback, sealing the match with set scores of 25-23, 25-21, 24-26, and 25-22 to secure their spot in the final.
“It’s an incredible feeling to make history for Chinese volleyball,” Li Yingying said after the match. “Our team showed great character and unity. We will give our all in the final.”
Tianjin Bohai Bank’s historic achievement marks a significant milestone for Chinese volleyball on the international stage. As they prepare for the final, the team carries the hopes of a nation eager to see them crowned world champions.
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Tianjin becomes first Chinese team to reach FIVB women's club final
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