AMMAN, Jordan — China inched a win closer to the 2nd AVC Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship with a 25-9, 25-11, 25-8 rout of Uzbekistan to open its Final Eight campaign on Wednesday at the Prince Hamzah Sports Hall.
Sui Yi Miao led another balanced attack by China with 13 points built on six spikes, five aces, and two blocks for a 2-0 record, gunning to sweep the round against Hong Kong, China on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
China is a game away from joining semifinalists Japan and Chinese Taipei.
Xu Rui Lin and Yang Miao Miao had 11 points each for the Chinese. Chen Rui Han chipped in eight points, while Fan Yuan Sheng added four aces to finish with seven.
Uzbekistan, which was led by Farangiz Yunusova with six points, fell to a 0-2 card before facing Korea also on Thursday at 4 p.m.
Korea eyes a semifinal ticket against Uzbekistan also on Thursday at 4 p.m.
Korea dealt Hong Kong, China’s first defeat, 25-11, 25-12, 25-11, to tie its victim at 1-1.
Son Seo Yeon sustained her fine form with 17 points, while Jang Suin and Park Ye Young added 11 points each.
No one from Hong Kong, China scored in double figures, with Hang Yi Chung leading the way with five points, as they fell to a must-win situation against China.
Meanwhile, host Jordan entered the win column in front of its home crowd after sweeping Qatar, 25-18, 25-15, 25-19, in the classification round at the Princess Sumaya Hall.
Raya Qawar led the Jordanians with 15 points, as Angelina Mubarak drilled six aces to finish with 12 points before their Thursday game against Kazakhstan at 4 p.m. in court 2.
“This is our first win of the entire competition. It was a very nice experience to feel like we accomplished something after all of this work,” said Qawar. “Having people supporting us, people having our backs, it makes us feel accomplished.”
Iran also earned its first win after beating India, 25-10, 25-17, 25-6
Zahra Jafari Khoulenjani sent the Iranians to their first win with 15 points, while Fatemeh Homayoun had 11 points.
“We are happy for this win against Iran. My players were good,” said Iran coach Fatemeh Shabankhamseh “The Philippine team and Japan were very good and for our team, it was still a good experience. We’re ready for the next match.”
Iran takes on Australia in its next classification game at 6:30 p.m.