HONG KONG, CHINA NARROWLY EDGED BY KOREA IN INTENSE FIVE SETS IN ASIAN EASTERN ZONAL WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP

HONG KONG, CHINA NARROWLY EDGED BY KOREA IN INTENSE FIVE SETS IN ASIAN EASTERN ZONAL WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP

Hong Kong, August 14, 2024 – Despite putting up a valiant effort, Hong Kong, China succumbed to a hard-fought 2-3 loss to Korea in Group A on the second day of the 2024 Asian Eastern Zonal Women‘s Volleyball Championship organized by the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. 

Photo by Panda / Takumi Images. All rights reserved.

Both Hong Kong, China and Korea demonstrated strong defence and showcasing intense competition. Although Hong Kong, China managed to equalize the set twice after falling behind. Outside hitters Chim Wing Lam and Pang Wing Lam, scored 19 and 18 points respectively, However, Korea’s outside hitters Lee Yeonjae and Kim Doa fared better with 28 and 22 points each, putting immense pressure on Hong Kong, China’s defence. 

Photo by Panda / Takumi Images. All rights reserved.

Hong Kong, China faced fluctuations in reception and a decline in stamina, allowing Korea to take the lead at the beginning in deciding set  which eventually resulted in a hard-fought loss of Hong Kong, China 19-25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-23, 6-15. 

Currently, with one win against one loss, Hong Kong, China are now trailing in second place in Group A with 4 points and will next go up against Group A leaders DPR Korea on Thursday for a spot in the semi-finals. 

Middle blocker Yim Wing Ni believes the team executed their pre-match strategy well: “In our meeting yesterday, we planned to focus on the key players in Korea. As middle blocker, I aimed to touch their powerful attack to make our defence easier. I think we implemented our plan very well!”

Photo by Panda / Takumi Images. All rights reserved.
Photo by Panda / Takumi Images. All rights reserved.

In Group B, China’s dominance at the net led to a straight-set victory (25-18, 25-18, 25-20) over Chinese Taipei and secured back-to-back victories. 

Photo by Panda / Takumi Images. All rights reserved.
Photo by Panda / Takumi Images. All rights reserved.

Japan faced off against Macau, China in the same group, showcasing a powerful attack and precise serving to secure a 3:0 win (25-10, 25-12, 25-8) in a totally one-sided affair. Japan also won two matches in a row and will next play China to vie for the top spot in Group B.

Photo by Panda / Takumi Images. All rights reserved.

The third match featured DPR Korea taking on Mongolia. After dropping the first set, DPR Korea regrouped in the second set and eventually triumphed with a 3-1 scoreline (22-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-13), clinching their second consecutive victory.

Photo by Panda / Takumi Images. All rights reserved.

MATCH RESULTS

Day 2

China b Chinese Taipei 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-20)

Japan b Macau, China 3-0 (25-10, 25-12, 25-8)

DPR Korea b Mongolia 3-1 (22-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-13)

Korea b Hong Kong, China 3-2 (25-19, 21-25, 25-18, 23-25, 15-6)

MATCH SCHEDULE

Thursday, August 15

11:30 Macau, China vs Chinese Taipei

14:00 Mongolia vs Korea

17:30 Hong Kong, China vs DPR Korea

20:00 China vs Japan

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