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Mike Chan

China’s women’s volleyball team snapped a three-game losing streak on Thursday with a convincing 3-0 win over lowly Ukraine at Kai Tak Arena.
The win marked only China’s fifth victory in 10 Women’s Volleyball Nations League appearances this season, though that statistic will not hamper their guaranteed participation in the season’s final round, which will be played in Macau from July 22 to 26.
With Wednesday a rest day at the Fifa World Cup, China state broadcaster CCTV showed the match live countrywide and world No 7 China did not disappoint, bouncing back to secure a much-needed win before Sunday’s clash with Italy.
Led by outside hitter Zhuang Yushan and middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan, China were never behind, and led by as many as eight points before taking the opening set 25-18.
Ukraine surged to an early lead after the restart and once led 17-12, but Zhao Yong’s side was not to be put off by a somewhat empty arena and managed an 8-2 run to swing the momentum and steal the second set 25-22.

The momentum was with the hosts as they withstood the pressure in the third set before winning it 25-20 to seal the victory, with Zhuang and Wang leading the team with 18 and 16 points respectively.
Coach Zhao described his team’s overall performance as “commendable, but there were still some ups and downs”.
“In the next two matches [against world No 12 Dominican Republic and world No 1 Italy], our primary focus will be on our own performance, showcasing our current technical and tactical skills on the field,” he said.
Earlier, Canada continued their fine start at the Hong Kong leg with a 3-1 comeback victory over mid-table team Belgium.
The win followed their impressive 3-2 win over China on Wednesday, and marked their fifth victory in the past six matches on the tour. It was also the best possible preparation for the world No 11 team ahead of their crucial tie against reigning champions and Italy on Saturday.

Having never reached the final week of the tournament before in five attempts, Canada started slow to concede the opening set, before bouncing back to win three straight sets and complete a 10-25, 25-21, 25-17, 27-25 comeback.
After splitting their first two matches in Hong Kong, China will have a rest day on Friday. Ukraine will take on the Dominican Republic in the first match of the day, while Italy will face Belgium in the evening match.


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China’s women beat Ukraine in Hong Kong to snap losing streak at Volleyball Nations League

China’s Zhuang Yushan tries to get through the Ukraine defence in their  Women’s Volleyball National League Hong Kong match at Kai Tak Arena on Thursday. Photo: Elson Li

Ukraine’s Alika Lutsenko (left) and Oleksandra Milenko try to prevent a point for China. Photo: Elson Li

Canada celebrate a point in their win over Belgium at Kai Tak Arena. Photo: Xinhua

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Led by outside hitter Zhuang Yushan and middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan, coach Zhao Yong’s side secure boost before facing No 1 side Italy


Led by outside hitter Zhuang Yushan and middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan, coach Zhao Yong’s side secure boost before facing No 1 side Italy.


China’s women beat Ukraine in Hong Kong to snap losing streak at Volleyball Nations League

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Led by outside hitter Zhuang Yushan and middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan, coach Zhao Yong’s side secure boost before facing No 1 side Italy

Led by outside hitter Zhuang Yushan and middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan, coach Zhao Yong’s side secure boost before facing No 1 side Italy