Defending Champions China debut with emphatic victory over Korea
Key player Zhao Zhexi scores game-high 15 points as China kicked off their campaign with a resounding victory
Hong Kong, China, August 27, 2025 – The 2025 Asian Eastern Zonal Women’s Volleyball Championship (2025AEZ), organized by the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China, continued with its second day of action at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, highlighted by a dramatic comeback from hosts Hong Kong, China and a commanding debut from defending champions China.
Hong Kong, China battle through a five-set thriller to overcome Mongolia and secure a place in the semifinals
Backed by a raucous home crowd, Hong Kong, China battled through adversity to earn their first win in Group A, outlasting Mongolia in a five-set thriller. With the victory, the hosts secured a semifinal berth and will face Chinese Taipei on Thursday in a clash to determine the group leader. In Group B, China began their title defense in style, sweeping Korea in straight sets.
Hong Kong, China pre-match group photo.
Hong Kong, China endured a shaky start under the pressure of home expectations, narrowly dropping the opening two sets by identical two-point margins. Trailing in the third set, they showed resilience, rallying from four points down to force extra points. Despite squandering two set points and even staring down match point at 25–26, opposite Shum Lam delivered under pressure, hammering a clutch spike to level the score. Consecutive Mongolian errors sealed the set for the hosts.
Opposite Shum Lam (left) of Hong Kong, China, scores a game-high 30 points
The fourth set presented another uphill battle as Hong Kong, China fell behind 0–5 early. Yet, with momentum building and Shum Lam leading the charge, they clawed back to level the match. She capped the comeback with a decisive back-row winner to send the contest to a fifth set. Energized by the home supporters, Hong Kong, China never relinquished control in the decider, completing the turnaround with a 3–2 triumph (23–25, 23–25, 28–26, 25–23, 15–11).
Shum Lam starred with a match-high 30 points, while outside hitter Chim Wing Lam added 26 points, the second-highest tally of the contest. Reflecting on the win, Chim said:
“We were a bit nervous at the beginning, but by the third set we adjusted our game plan and found our rhythm. We stayed focused until the very end, and that determination made the difference.”
China pre-match group photo
In the day’s second fixture, China opened their campaign with a statement performance. The defending champions stormed ahead with a seven-point cushion midway through the first set and never looked back, unleashing a barrage of serves that unsettled Korea’s offensive flow. They wrapped up a convincing 3–0 victory (25–15, 25–16, 25–13).
Rising star Zhao Zhexi shone with 26 points, including four aces, while captain Li Chenxuan provided crucial support. Shan Linqian, who featured in the Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong 2025 earlier this year, chipped in with 9 points to round out the team’s balanced attack.
The 2025AEZ group stage concludes on Thursday, August 28. The evening session begins at 17:30 with Macau, China taking on China, followed by Hong Kong, China facing Chinese Taipei at 20:00.
MATCH RESULTS
Pool A: Hong Kong, China b Mongolia 3-2 (23-25, 23-25, 28-26, 25-23, 15-11)
Pool B: China b Korea 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-13)
MATCH SCHEDULE
17.30: Macau, China v China
20.00: Hong Kong, China v Chinese Taipei
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