Tehran, Iran, September 21, 2019 – Chinese Taipei took the fifth place at the SMM 20th Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship at the 12,000-seater Azadi Sports Complex on Saturday after winning a hard-fought four-setter 25-16, 23-25, 25-20, 25-16 against China.
In the opening set, China tried to cope with the rivals’ quick attacks and solid defence, but still failed to make their mark. Chinese Taipei gradually pulled their game together, counter-attacking well to snare the first set 25-16.
The second set was more thrilling when Chinese Taipei were errors-strewn, allowing China several attacking opportunities. With greater determination, Chinese Taipei struck back, aiming to make amends. However, the Chinese held on to lead 17-15 and maintained their rhythm to win the intense battle 25-23.
Chinese Taipei gained the upper hand in the third set, which they led from start to finish for the 25-20 win.
Both teams came all-out in the fourth set. China led initially 5-3 before Chinese Taipei bounced back with attacks and terrific jump serves, which allowed the Chinese difficulty to receive. Taking a commanding 20-14 lead, Chinese Taipei allowed the rivals to win the set 25-16 and match and the 5th place. China returned with the 6th position.
Wang Ming Chun chipped in with 18 points for Chinese Taipei, 15 of them through deadly attacks, with team-mates Liu Hung-Min Liu contributing 13 attack points and his twin brother Liu Hong-Jie adding 9 points. Jiang Chuan topscored for China with 9 points.
Chinese Taipei head coach, Moro Branislav commented, “We improved a lot and today, we pressured China from their service line. We outperformed China in attack. China made too many mistakes on their reception that helped us to seize the opportunity.”
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