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SCMP Sport

China’s women take on their American counterparts in the quarter-finals of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals in Macau on Thursday, with head coach Zhao Yong acknowledging that his young side faced a tough test against the top seeds.
Despite being tournament favourites, the US have struggled against their mainland opponents in the past, losing their previous four encounters, three of which went to five sets.
But Zhao’s side, which is a blend of youth and experience, go into the clash on the back of a mixed performance during the final leg of the regular season in Hong Kong, when they lost three of their four matches, beating only Ukraine at Kai Tak Arena.
“The team went through some ups and downs during the Hong Kong, China leg, which I believe is a necessary process for young players to grow,” Zhao said.
“After the first three legs of competition, the team is well prepared. We will give our all against the US. We have many young players, so our performance on court can fluctuate. We hope to fully display our existing technical and tactical abilities during the match.”
The eight-team tournament started on Wednesday at the Macau East Asian Games Dome, with Italy, the defending champions, breezing past the Netherlands 3-0, winning 25-21, 25-16, 25-16.

Turkey and Canada go head to head on Thursday before China take the floor against the United States.
Since the VNL replaced the FIVB World Grand Prix in 2018, China’s women have been regular participants in the finals, but have yet to win a title.
The team claimed bronze in 2018 and 2019 before reaching the knockout stage on several subsequent occasions. In 2025, China advanced to the finals after winning nine of its 12 preliminary matches before losing a five-setter in the last eight to Poland.
Despite the team’s struggles, Zhao has largely kept faith with the core group that competed throughout the regular season, although that still reflects the ongoing transition, with experienced veterans such as captain Gong Xiangyu, middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan and libero Wang Mengjie, being joined by a new generation of players including Zhuang Yushan, Zhang Zixuan, Li Chenxuan and Dong Yuhan.
The absence of Wu Mengjie and another established outside hitter, Li Yingying, means China will once again rely heavily on its younger attackers against one of the world’s strongest teams.
Gong Xiangyu, China’s captain, said the team had made positive adjustments over the past week.
“We hope to perform well in the upcoming matches and will give 100 per cent to challenge our opponents,” she said.
“We have made targeted arrangements in training and will strive to perform well during the match,” Gong said. “We are looking forward to delivering a strong performance and playing to our expected level.”


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Volleyball

China’s women ready to challenge USA in Volleyball Nations League Finals showdown

China have a blend of youth and experience but had a mixed performance during the final leg of the regular season in Hong Kong. Photo: Xinhua

Head coach Zhao Yong (second left) admits his team face a tough test against the US. Photo: Xinhua

Changes in store for China team after poor Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong showing

China lost three of their four matches at the Women’s Volleyball Nations League in Hong Kong, and have now fallen one spot in the world rankings. Photo: Xinhua

Zhuang Yushan (top) did not mince words when describing China’s performances. Photo: Xinhua

Wang Yuanyuan (top) was singled out by Chinese media for her ineffectiveness. Photo: Xinhua

China push women’s volleyball champs Italy all way in 5-set thriller, end season on high

China pushed Italy all the way in their Nations League encounter at Kai Tak Arena. Photo: Karma Lo

China’s Wang Mengjie celebrates a point against Italy. Photo: Karma Lo

Sport

China

The quarter-finals in Macau also feature Italy taking on the Netherlands, Brazil facing Japan and Turkey up against Canada


The quarter-finals in Macau also feature Italy taking on the Netherlands, Brazil facing Japan and Turkey up against Canada.


China’s women ready to challenge USA in Volleyball Nations League Finals showdown

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The quarter-finals in Macau also feature Italy taking on the Netherlands, Brazil facing Japan and Turkey up against Canada

The quarter-finals in Macau also feature Italy taking on the Netherlands, Brazil facing Japan and Turkey up against Canada