Despite unexpected troubles in the opening game, the Chinese
women's volleyball team beat Poland 3-0 to claim its second
straight victory at the Montreux Masters in Switzerland.
With smashes from Zhang Yuehong and errors made by their rivals,
the Chinese built an early 6-4 lead. However, Poland, considered
doomed to failure in the group which also includes Turkey and
favourites Cuba, reacted to the neglect in their style, with
soaring morale in their offensive play.
Thanks to outstanding services in the game, Poland succeeded in
keeping neck and neck with the Olympic champions until 23-23 before
Xue Ming’s fast break and a Polish out-of-line smash helped China
clinch the game.
Poland failed to ride a wave of emotion in the second game,
while resurgent Chinese showed their overall ability for attacks
and blocks eased to reap a 25-13 lead before the third game.
Unrivaled Chinese were irresistible in the final game, taking
advantages from services and net plays and a 25-12 comfortable win
meant China wrapped up its second victory at the tournament.
With two wins, China booked a berth in the semifinals. They will
play arch rival of the group, Cuba, on Friday.
The top two teams of each group will qualify for semis.
(CRI June 8, 2007)