In a gripping finale at the Asian Women’s Under-20 Volleyball Championship, China emerged victorious over Japan with a 3-2 win (23-25, 25-21, 25-17, 14-25, 15-10) on Tuesday in Jiangmen, south China’s Guangdong Province. This triumph marks China’s 13th title in the tournament’s history and ends an eight-year championship drought.
This match marked the 13th encounter between these two perennial rivals in the finals. Japan had the psychological edge, having bested China in the last two championships. The intense rivalry added an extra layer of significance to the final, captivating fans across Asia.
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts between the two volleyball giants. Japan clinched the first set 25-23 and led 17-15 in the second. However, China rallied with a decisive 10-4 run to seize the second set 25-21.
Riding the wave of their comeback, the hosts dominated the third set, winning 25-17. Japan, undeterred, launched a fierce response in the fourth set, scoring 11 consecutive points to take it 25-14, pushing the match to a tiebreaker.
In the final set, China surged ahead with an early lead of 13-5. Japan fought back valiantly, narrowing the gap to 13-10, but China held their nerve. An ace sealed the match, sparking celebrations for the home team and their supporters.
“It was pretty rocky for us in the beginning, but we started to enjoy the match after adjusting our mentality. It was not easy for us to win the title,” said Wang Yidi, captain of China. “We were fighting as one tonight. Although we experienced ups and downs in the match, we won it and we will be more confident.”
Head coach Kuang Qi expressed pride in the team’s performance and potential. “I see many hopes in these girls, both technically and mentally—they are the future,” he stated.
China’s journey to the final was marked by dominance, securing five straight wins while dropping only one set. The victory over Japan not only avenged their previous defeats but also showcased the rising talents in Chinese women’s volleyball.
The championship reflects the growing competitiveness of volleyball in Asia, highlighting the dedication and skill of young athletes who are shaping the future of the sport on the continent.
Reference(s):
China beat Japan to win Asian Women's U20 Volleyball Championship
cgtn.com
