Zhangjiagang, China, July 22, 2016 – China, Japan, Korea and Chinese Taipei secured their semi-final berths at the AVC Eastern Zone Women’s Championship 2016 presented by Jinling Sports after beating Macau, Hong Kong, Mongolia and DPR Korea respectively in straight sets on Thursday.

Chinese Taipei b DPR Korea 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-17)

It was a keen competition between Chinese Taipei and DPR Korea as both were eager for winning this match to advance to the semi finals. The beginning of the first set saw both sides stick to each other till 7-7. After the second technical timeout, Chinese Taipei took advantage of five successful attacks over DPR Korea to take the first set 25-16.

In the second and third sets, Chinese Taipei took control of the game. Before the first technical timeout of the second set, Chinese Taipei got an 8-2 lead. Before the second technical timeout, Chinese Taipei stretched it to a 16-5 and a 16-11 lead. DPR Korea struggled to catch up closer, but the positive attitude showed by Chinese Taipei on both attack and defense allowed them no chance. The second ended up with 25-16 in Chinese Taipei’s favor. Chinese Taipei went on their attacks in the third set to win 25-17.

Japan b Hong Kong 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-10)

Unbeaten Japan took control of the game from the beginning. Errors emerged frequently from Hong Kong including poor receptions and serves. Japan took the first set 25-16. In the second and third sets, Hong Kong committed more errors under the big pressure composed by Japan. Therefore, Japan successfully finished the last two sets 25-15 and 25-10.

Korea b Mongolia 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-13).

Mongolia got a 6-2 lead in the beginning of the first set. But Korea recovered after the first technical timeout. Both teams came to a tie for thirteen times, however, Korea sped up after the second technical timeout and an erratic spike by Mongolia sent Korea to the set point at 24-17. Another serve error from Mongolia handed the set victory to Korea. Korea took the first set 25-18.

As the game went on, errors resulting more errors, Mongolia lost the second and third sets 25-17 and 25-13.

China b Macau 3-0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-12)

China met some troubles in the first set, however effective spikes and blocks by China sent Macau to a straight set loss.

China encountered turbulence during the match as Macau served aggressively. The third set started with four points in a row scored by Macau. China quickly adapted themselves to the match by focusing on their defense in the beginning. After the first technical timeout, China were back on track and they positively took many actions to attack in order to earn major points. In 25-12, China snatched the third set and entered the semi-finals with an unbeaten record.

The semi-finals will see China versus Chinese Taipei and Japan versus Korea on Saturday. Winners of semi-finals will fight for the champion on Sunday night.