Hangzhou, China, July 1, 2023 – Asian traditional powerhouses Japan, Thailand and hosts China kicked off their campaigns in the first edition of the Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship here in Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province, with convincing straight-set wins on Saturday.
In the morning opener at Linping Sports Centre Gymnasium, Japan proved too strong for Australia to outclass the rivals 25-6, 25-12, 25-18.
Facing Asian traditional powerhouses Japan, Australia failed to organize effective attacks due to their unstable reception. They could only sneaked few points from the opponent’s errors and soon they handed out the first set 6-25.
Australia improved their reception and played several aggressive spikes in the second set. Both sides also presented some long rallies, which excited spectators to cheer. However, Japan showed their all-sided advantages in service, defence and attacks before they finished the second set in 25-12.
The third set saw more errors from Japan in service and attacks, giving Australia more confidence to gain points. The Australians fought hard to deal with each ball and even opposed several clean blocks against Japan. Nevertheless, it was not enough to change the tide as Japan firmly controlled the situation. The set was concluded 25-18 in favor of Japan.
Japan’s middle blocker and captain Yuzuki Baba bagged 13 points to emerged as the best scorer of the match followed by her teammate and outside hitter Yuna Matsuo with 11 points.
“We played in unity no matter lineups and substitutes. We did well in blocking and combination between attackers and setter. I think it is the key to win the match,” said Yuzuki Baba at the mixed zone. “Australia also played very hard and persistently. They saved several difficult balls and I think they are a tough team. We will learn experience from this match to prepare for the next match against Iran.”
In the other match, which started simultaneously on Saturday morning at China Textile City Sports Centre Gymnasium, Thailand overcame a challenge from Hong Kong, China to put it past the spirited opponents in straight sets 25-14, 25-16, 25-16.
Thailand’s outside hitter Oaksonmani Phosridi contributed match-high 16 points for her team followed by Thanita Aiamla-oo and Natchaya Tahae with 13 and 12 points respectively. Sum Yuen Tang led Hong Kong, China with 14 points.
The last match of the day saw hosts China delight the crowd with an overwhelming victory 3-0 (25-11, 25-9, 25-16) against Mongolia at Linping Sports Centre Gymnasium.
Sun Hongyun and Yang Shuming contributed 16 points apiece for China, followed by middle blocker Chen Xiaohui with 12 spikes and two blocks.
China took advantage of their height and organized tactics, leading the first set at the very beginning while their opponents failed to find an effective solution to the powerful attacks and blocks. The host led from start to finish for the comfortable 25-11 win.
Although Mongolia tried hard to narrow the margin from trailing far behind 4-14, Sun Hongyun’s impressive serves highlighted the second set, helping China dominate the totally one-sided affair 25-9.
The visiting team exerted more pressure to China in the third set, clawing their way back to trail with just one point behind 14-15. More rallies were presented as both sides diversified their skills in offense. Captain Yang Shuming delivered plentiful attacks and China finally finished it 25-16.
“It is not easy for our players to win as some of them have just finished their high school entrance examination this month. We did not have plentiful time to prepare,” said Kuang Qi, head coach of China.
“Our kids (players) are very excited since it’s their first time to go abroad. It’s a very precious experience for us,” Mongolian head coach Tamiraa Renchin said.
Right before the match between China and Mongolia in the Saturday evening, a short but grand Opening Ceremony was held with the attendance of AVC and Local Organizing Committee officials including Mr Shanrit Wongprasert, Honorary Life Vice President and Executive Director of AVC, Mr Cai Yi, AVC Senior Executive Vice President, Mr Zhang Yadong, Vice Director of Zhejiang Sports Bureau and Mr Mao Genhong, Deputy Secretary General of HAGOC and Deputy Secretary General of Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government. Mr Shanrit Wongprasert declared the Championship open.
Thailand and Japan will face their second opponents Kazakhstan and Iran respectively Sunday morning, while hosts China will take on Uzbekistan in the afternoon.
MATCH RESULTS
Saturday, July 1
10:30 Japan v Australia 3-0 (25-6, 25-12, 25-18)
10:30 Thailand v Hong Kong, China 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-16)
19:00 Opening Ceremony
19:30 China v Mongolia 3-0 (25-11, 25-9, 25-16)
MATCH SCHEDULE
(All local times)
Sunday, July 2
10:30 Kazakhstan v Thailand
10:30 Iran v Japan
15:00 Uzbekistan v China
Monday, July 3
10:30 Mongolia v Uzbekistan
10:30 Hong Kong, China v Kazakhstan
15:00 Australia v Iran
15:00 Chinese Taipei v Macao, China
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