In a thrilling display of volleyball excellence, Italian powerhouse Imoco Volley Conegliano secured a commanding 25-21, 25-15, 25-20 victory over Tianjin Bohai Bank, clinching the FIVB Club World Championship title without dropping a single set in Hangzhou, China’s Zhejiang Province.
This triumph marks Conegliano’s third world title in just four appearances at the prestigious competition. Meanwhile, Tianjin Bohai Bank’s impressive runner-up finish stands as the best performance by a Chinese team in the tournament’s history, signaling a significant milestone for Chinese volleyball on the global stage.
The match began with Tianjin showing promise, leading midway through the first set. However, they were unable to capitalize on their advantage, ultimately conceding the set 25-21. In the second set, Conegliano’s powerful jump serves proved too formidable, and Tianjin struggled to mount a defense, leading to a swift 25-15 defeat. The Italian team maintained their momentum into the third set, sealing their victory with a 25-20 finish.
Swedish sensation Isabelle Haak, Conegliano’s formidable opposite hitter, was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. The 25-year-old led a lineup of seven exceptional players honored as part of the symbolic “Dream Team” during the awarding ceremony. Chinese star spiker Zhu Ting and Tianjin’s captain Li Yingying, who tallied 12 points in the final, were both recognized as “Best Outside Hitters,” highlighting their stellar performances throughout the tournament.
Reflecting on the match, Zhu Ting expressed pride in both teams’ achievements: “No matter which side wins, this final was a fantastic match. I think everyone did a great job. Of course, I’m happy that our Chinese team has improved so much and played an impressive match. Although the result determined the champions, I think everyone is a winner.”
The final in Hangzhou not only showcased world-class volleyball but also underscored the growing competitiveness of Asian teams on the international scene. The tournament’s success adds to China’s reputation as a premier host for global sporting events, and fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating future clashes between these elite clubs.
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Italy's Conegliano lifts Club World Championship trophy in Hangzhou
cgtn.com
