Osaka, Japan, May 13, 2025 – Shanghai Bright delivered a clinical performance on Tuesday, defeating the Philippines’ Cignal HD Spikers in straight sets 25-12, 25-21, 25-18 to secure their first win in Pool B at the inaugural AVC Men’s Champions League at Panasonic Arena.
Led by standout performances from Xiu Chengcheng, Polish veteran Michal Kubiak, and Wang Bohan, the Chinese powerhouse rebounded strongly from their opening loss to host club Osaka Bluteon. The Tuesday’s victory earned Shanghai Bright three points, placing them second in the pool and booking their place in the quarterfinals. Cignal HD, having lost both of their matches, finished third and were eliminated from the competition.
Xiu topped all scorers with an impressive 15-point performance, including 11 attacks, 3 blocks, and one ace. Kubiak and Wang added 10 points each in support. For Cignal HD, Steven Charles Rotter and Louie Ramirez contributed 11 points apiece in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort.
“This was a must-win match for us. Without it, we wouldn’t make the quarterfinals,” said Kubiak post-match. “There’s a chance we’ll face Al-Rayyan in the next round, but I’m focused on doing my best to help the team continue winning.”
In a decisive match to determine the second Pool B qualifier, Shanghai Bright wasted no time asserting dominance. The towering duo of Xiu (200cm) and Wang (195cm) spearheaded the offense, exploiting a clear height advantage (196cm team average vs Cignal HD’s 186cm). The Chinese side cruised through the first set with powerful attacks and suffocating blocks. Though Rotter briefly sparked a response for the Filipinos, Shanghai Bright maintained control to take the set with ease.
The second set was more evenly contested early on, with both teams trading points. Cignal HD, energized by strong efforts from Rotter and Ramirez, challenged the taller Chinese squad with aggressive plays. At one point, the Philippines closed the gap, displaying improved cohesion and tactical execution.
However, Shanghai Bright quickly regrouped. With Xiu’s high-powered offense and Kubiak’s leadership on full display, the Chinese side regained momentum and closed out the set despite spirited resistance from the Filipinos.
In the third and final set, Shanghai Bright maintained their momentum and continued to apply pressure. Xiu remained dominant at the net, joined by Zhang Zhejia with lightning-fast spikes and relentless attacks. Cignal HD’s Ramirez and Marck Espejo led a courageous charge, finding ways around the blocks and showcasing their attacking range. But the firepower and precision of Shanghai Bright proved too much.
With the combined offensive output of Xiu, Zhang, and Kubiak, Shanghai Bright surged ahead to seal the match and advance confidently into the knockout stage.
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