Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, August 14, 2022 – Indomitable China put it past spirited Japan in hard-fought three-set thriller in the mighty final clash of the 2022 AVC Cup for Men to capture the eventual title with remarkable unbeaten record, their second time in history since they first won it 10 years ago in Vinh Yen, Vietnam.
Despite the fact that the China’s sensational 25-20, 25-23, 25-22 victory had already smashed Japan’s dreams of winning their unprecedented title in this topflight tournament, Japan still had something to celebrate as it’s their first silver medal ever in the AVC Cup for Men.
Against Japan, which fielded their second-string B team spearheaded by talented Otake Issei and Tomita Shoma, China, world No.19 and 13th at this year’s VNL, remained strong with the likes of powerfully-built star spiker Zhang Jingyin, who stands 207cm tall, hard-attacking Yu Yuantai and Peng Shikun.
Both sides started with aggressive attacks to entertain a large number of home fans packing the competition venue with their exceptional skills, well-organised teamworks and combinations. China stayed in front with a narrow two-point lead at 16-14 before Tomita Shoma exploded his attacks to help Japan catch up with the fired-up oppositions 17-17.
However, China turned things around to put up a good fight and advanced 18-17 before Yu Yuantai put the team ahead again with two aces in a row for the widened gap 20-18. As Zhang Jingyin was still dangerous from spike range, the formidable Chinese outfit began to take control after that. China were taking a commanding 24-20 lead, but Otake Issei sent his service in the net, handing China the first set win 25-20.
Holding 1-0 advantage, China remained aggressive at their attacks, but Japan also lived up to all expectations. Sensation Tomita Shoma helped the team survive the rivals’ scare and tear the Chinese defence into shreds with his lightning-fast spikes to move Japan ahead 10-5. To improve on their offence, China replaced Zhang Guanhua with veteran Ding Qingyao and the scoring spree seemed to get back on track to the Chinese side as they gradually clawed back into game to level at 17-17.
Both teams took turns picking things up and gained crucial points through their spectacular attacks, but China fared better on their blocks, using their height advantage at the net to trouble Japan on their scoring opportunities. However, Japan gathered their courage and fought back hard to level at 23-23. China still came up with perfection in their attacks and reception to bag the remaining two points for the hotly-contested 25-23 win to stretch it to 2-0.
The third set was a tense battle from the first serve as China continued their dominance. Nonetheless, Japan took an initial 12-11 lead before Yu Yuantai and Zhang Jingyin overcame the smaller blockers with their fierce attacks to meet the rivals at 12-12 and stormed on.
Things looked to be following form when Japan never looked comfortable. Zhang hammered a spectacular back-row attack for the China’s 24-22 lead before high-leaping Yu Yuantai fired home with an acrobatic attack. China sealed the set win 25-22, match and the championship.
Zhang Jingyin was star of the show to topscore with 15 points including 14 attacks for China. Yu Yuantai added another 14 points. Tomita Shoma led Japan with 12 points, with Otake Issei and Larry Ik Evbade-dan bagging 9 points apiece.
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