Hong Kong, China Fall Short, Set to Battle Korea for Bronze
China outside hitter Teng Manqi quickly adapts to the game after substituting for injured captain Li Chenxuan
Hong Kong, China, August 30, 2025 – The 2025 Asian Eastern Zonal Women’s Volleyball Championship (2025AEZ), organized by the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China, staged its semi-finals and classification match on Saturday. Backed by a spirited home crowd, Hong Kong, China displayed determination and resilience, but were overpowered by title favorites China in straight sets. They will now vie with Korea for third place on Sunday, while China advanced to the final to meet Chinese Taipei for the coveted zonal crown.
AVC President Ramon Suzara attends the match
After a day’s rest, Hong Kong, China entered the semi-finals with confidence, spurred on by the home supporters. Against powerhouses China, outside hitter Chim Wing Lam made strong early strikes to set an aggressive tone. Hong Kong, China fought bravely in long rallies and showcased defensive grit, particularly in the second set when setter Wong Wan Wun made a series of crucial saves to narrow the score to 8–9. Despite their efforts, China’s firepower proved decisive.
Hong Kong, China outside hitter Chim Wing Lam makes decisive attacks and scored 8 points for the team throughout the game
China faced an early setback when captain Li Chenxuan sustained an injury, prompting the introduction of Teng Manqi, who combined seamlessly with setter Zhu Hangting. Outside hitter Zhao Zhexi stepped up impressively, leading all scorers with 15 points as China took the second set 25–16. In the third, China’s depth shone as substitutes Wang Aoqian, Huang Yiwei, and Liu Ling joined the attack to seal a commanding 25–7 win, securing a 3-0 victory and a place in the final.
Hong Kong, China will face Korea in the 3rd place match Sunday and aim to conclude the tournament with a victory
Following the match, Hong Kong, China’s libero Cheung Hiu Nok, Michelle reflected:
“Against China, we tried to emphasize quick attacks and executed well at times. Tomorrow against Korea, we want to raise our tempo and fight hard for a podium finish to close our campaign.”
Chinese Taipei enter the final after a shutout victory against Korea
In the other semi-final clash, Chinese Taipei produced a superb performance to sweep Korea 3-0. Led by Chang Yi-Chi and Tsai Yu-Chun, they cruised to a 25–15 opening win. The second set swung dramatically as Korea, spearheaded by outside hitter Back Chaerim, rallied to edge ahead 21–20.
Chinese Taipei outside hitter Tsai Yu-Chun (right) continues to deliver good performances and scored 17 points, leading the team into the final.
However, Chinese Taipei responded strongly, with Tsai delivering two crucial kills and Hsu Wan-Yun adding two aces in a decisive 5-point run to claim the set. Tsai, who finished with a game-high 17 points, continued her dominant display in the third, scoring nine points to guide her side to a 25–13 victory and a spot in the championship final.
Nergui Khosbayar from Mongolia scores a team-high 14 points
Earlier, in the 5th–6th place classification match, Mongolia powered past Macau, China in straight sets. Opposite hitter Nergui Khosbayar spearheaded the charge with 14 points, supported by Suglegmaa Erdenebat (12) and Enkhnaran Ganbold (10). Mongolia’s strong serving (11 aces) and height advantage proved decisive in their 25–11, 25–12, 25–18 triumph, securing fifth place in the tournament.
The medal matches will be staged on Sunday, August 31. Hong Kong, China take on Korea at 14:30 for the bronze medal, followed by the championship final at 17:30 between Chinese Taipei and China, where both sides will contest for the prestigious Asian Eastern Zonal title.
MATCH RESULTS
5th-6th: Mongolia b Macau, China 3-0 (25-11, 25-12, 25-18)
Semifinals: Chinese Taipei b Korea 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-13), China b Hong Kong, China 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-7)
MATCH SCHEDULE
14.30pm: Bronze-medal match: Korea v Hong Kong, China
17.30pm: Chinese Taipei v China
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