Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, June 26, 2022 – Determined Hong Kong, China proved a cut above Singapore to outclass the unfancied oppositions in convincing straight sets 25-13, 25-15, 25-16 to seal two wins in succession at the “21st Princess Cup” 3rd AVC Women’s Challenge Cup at Nakhon Pathom Sports Centre Gymnasium here on Sunday.
Fresh from beating Malaysia in straight sets the previous day, Hong Kong, China got off to a good start in this comfortable-looking set against lacklustre Singapore. Fielding more individual talents including powerful left-hander To Wing Man, fast attacker Yeung Sau Mei, who stands 185cm tall and hard-attacking Chim Wing Lam, Hong Kong, China left the Singaporeans by wide margin 7-0 and stretched the lead with an 8-point clear at 15-7. Singapore hit back with some impressive attacks to reduce the gap 12-23, but the Hong Kong girls went on their good form to cruise towards a sensational 25-13 win in the lopsided first set.
In the second set, Hong Kong, China still proved steadier to race to an early 4-0 lead and widened it to 7-4, but soon after that their concentration dropped and they became more prone to unforced attacking mistakes, leaving the Singaporeans to roar back with attacks and disguised drop shots to narrow the gap 11-13. However, the Hong Kong girls upped their tempo and bounced back heavily to surge away 19-14 and held firm to win the set 25-15, again with ease.
The third set seemingly turned out to be a close battle at the beginning when both sides fought hard to capture the pole position. Singapore led 2-0, but Hong Kong, China struck back to catch the rivals at 5-5, but after that, the Hong Kong girls counter-attacked well to find themselves five-points clear at 14-9. Chua Jolyn Xin Yi tried her best to give Singapore a comeback on track as she attacked from all angles, but found it the impossible mission as the well-organised Hong Kong, China performed an impenetrable defence, allowing the Singaporeans tough times scoring. Hong Kong, China advanced 20-15 and stormed on to win the comfortable set 25-16, match and their consecutive two wins in the single round-robin tournament.
Lau Ho Ting chipped in with 12 points from 7 attacks and team-leading 5 blocks for Hong Kong, China, while Pang Wing Lam and To Win Man contributed 11 and 10 points respectively. No Singaporean player scored double digits, with Chua Jolyn Xin Yi bagging 9 points.
Despite the loss, Singapore captain Lau Ee Shan said she was satisfied with her team’s perforamnce.
“We did our best against the Hong Kong girls. We are young and hope for some improvement in our next matches,” Lau was quoted as saying.
Hong Kong, China will next take on India on Tuesday, while Singapore will seek their first win in this tournament against Uzbekistan.
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