Hong Kong, China, August 28, 2025 – The 2025 Asian Eastern Zonal Women’s Volleyball Championship (2025AEZ), organized by the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China, wrapped up its group stage on Thursday at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, setting the stage for the eagerly anticipated semifinals.
Tang Sum Yuen contributed multiple points in the second set
Hong Kong, China fought valiantly for the top spot in Group A but fell short against Chinese Taipei, sending the hosts into a semifinal showdown with Group B winners China.
Building on the momentum of their opening comeback win over Mongolia and buoyed by strong home support, Hong Kong, China pushed Chinese Taipei in the early exchanges. Star hitter Shum Lam, who shone in the previous match, once again led the charge in attack. However, the home side faltered midway through the first set under pressure from Chinese Taipei’s towering blocks and blistering serves, eventually conceding 17–25.
Hong Kong, China opposite Shum Lam continues her strong performance, but under the opponent’s tight blocking, the team ultimately fell in straight sets
Chinese Taipei entered the match tactically astute, repeatedly targeting Hong Kong’s outside hitters Tang Sum Yuen and Chim Wing Lam with pinpoint serving, disrupting their first pass and stifling offensive options.
Despite tactical adjustments from the hosts, including the introduction of Suen Yee Tung in a rotating setter–opposite role to maintain a three-hitter front row, they could not sustain momentum and dropped the second set 18–25.
Hong Kong, China showed resilience in the third set, racing to a 7–2 lead after Chinese Taipei’s starting setter Hung Chia Yao struggled to find rhythm with her attackers. But once captain Liao Yi Jen and opposite Chang Yi Chi re-entered, Chinese Taipei quickly regained control. With outside hitter Tsai Yu Chun delivering a match-high 17 points, they sealed the contest with a commanding 25–14 win, completing a 3–0 sweep (25–17, 25–18, 25–14).
Shum Lam, who led Hong Kong, China with 9 points, reflected:
“Facing China in the semifinals, stamina will be our biggest challenge. Our main objective was to reach the semifinals, and now that we’ve achieved it, we can approach the remaining matches with a freer mindset.”
Lam Nicola, Macau, China outside hitter, number 16, scores a team-high 8 points in the match against China
Earlier in the day, China overpowered Macau, China in straight sets. Despite an early scare when setter Wu Jiahui exited with injury and Macau, China leveled at 8–8, China steadied through two service aces from Zhao Zhexi and quick strikes from middle blocker Wang Aoqian. Their superior height and power proved overwhelming, allowing them to cruise to victory (25–12, 25–13, 25–7).
Wang Aoqian, middle blocker from China scores a game-high 16 points
Wang scored a match-high 16 points, while Li Chenxuan and Zhao combined for 25 points. In total, China fired 15 service aces across the three sets.
China advance to semifinals with two consecutive wins
With the group stage concluded, Friday, August 29, will serve as a rest day. Action resumes Saturday, August 30, with the semifinals: hosts Hong Kong, China take on powerhouse China, while Chinese Taipei battle Korea. In the classification round, Mongolia will meet Macau, China for fifth place.
MATCH RESULTS
Pool A: Chinese Taipei b Hong Kong, China 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-14)
Pool B: China b Macau, China 3-0 (25-12, 25-13, 25-7)
MATCH SCHEDULE
August 30, 2025
14.30: 5th-6th Playoff: Mongolia v Macau, China
17.30: Semifinals: Chinese Taipei v Korea
20.00: Semifinals: Hong Kong, China v China
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