Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, June 28, 2022 – Hong Kong, China recovered from the first two-set down to stun India with a fantastic comeback 3-2 win to move a step closer to winning their unprecedented title at the 3rd AVC Women’s Challenge Cup at Nakhon Pathom Sports Centre Gymnasium on Tuesday.
Hong Kong, China shrugged off their rust in the first two sets which they went down to undefeated India 12-25, 18-25, but regrouped and hit back bravely to win the remaining three sets 25-13, 25-19, 15-6 for the match.
India had already ended their campaign in the 3rd AVC Challenge Cup, contested among five teams (Hong Kong China, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Uzbekistan) and are due to next take on hosts Thailand, represented by their national women’s U20 squad, in their last encounter of the six-day meet on Wednesday, the final day of the tournament.
Against Hong Kong, China, India showcased their resilience through solid blocking from Anushree K.P. and Anusri Ghosh punctuated by powerful spikes from captain Nirmal and Saranya N.S for an early 5-1 lead before the Hong Kong girls struck back, with Lau Ho Ting carrying out fast attacks to help the team narrow the margin 9-10.
However, India turned things around and ran away with it through superb net play and destructive attacks to widen the gap to 17-11 and as Hong Kong, China were errors-strewn with attacking sprees, the Indians mounted on strong challenge with attacks and effective blocks to completely dominate the on-going game and win the easy set 25-12.
Holding 1-0 advantage, the Indians still came up with aggression and consistency in the second set to lead 21-15, with Nirmal, Saranya and Anushree taking turns penetrating the Hong Kong, China’s defence with their exceptional attacks. India moved ahead 23-17, allowing the Hong Kong, China head coach Kwok Kin Chuen to ask for timeout to improve their game. Still, his intention was in vain and the Indians went on fierce attacks to win the set 25-18.
Conceding two straight sets, Hong Kong, China turned the tables on India in the third set. As the 185cm-Yeung Sau Mei, instrumental captain Chim Wing Lam and Pang Wing Lam put the team back on track with their powerful attacks, disguised drop shots and scintillating blocks, the Hong Kong girls took an early 7-1 lead and surged away with their improved teamwork and gutsy performance. Leading by wide margin 23-12, Hong Kong, China allowed the Indians only one more point to wrap up the one-sided set 25-13.
Winning one set lifted the Hong Kong girls’ spirit and confidence as they maintained their good show to race to 7-1 in the fourth set and stayed in front with an 8-point clear at 18-10, forcing head coach Chauhan Pritam Singh to request for timeout to improve his girls’ performance. However, his intention did not pay its dividends as the Hong Kong girls continued their impressive run to win the thrilling set 25-19 for a 2-2 tie.
In the decider, the Indians still failed to make their mark, while Hong Kong, China remained in their superb form to take an initial 6-2 and held firm to widen it to 11-5. Although India tried to pick things up and started to play better, their upgraded form came too late as the Hong Kong girls went on their good fight to win the crucial set 15-6 and match.
Pang Wing Lam scored a match-high 22 points from 19 attacks and 3 aces for Hong Kong, China, while Yeung Sau Mei added 21 points. Saranya N.S. led India with 19 points.
After the match, Hong Kong, China head coach Kwok Kin Chuan said, “Actually, we prepared well for this match. However, I admit that it was a very difficult match against India. My players did not play well in the first two sets, but they improved and came back for the win in the next three sets.”
Hong Kong, China are due to take on Uzbekistan on Wednesday, the final day of the single round-robin tournament, while India will go up against Thailand.
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