Nanjing, China, August 2, 2017 – Zhu Ting and Zhang Changning combined for 31 points in China’s 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 29-27) win over defending champions Brazil in the 2017 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Group 1 Finals at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre on Wednesday.
Zhu top scored for China with 15 points, including 14 attacks and a block. Zhang chipped in 14 points, then team-mates Yuan Xinyue and Ding Xia helped out on defence with four and three stuff blocks, respectively. China had a total of 12 blocks, including two crucial blocks at the end of the third set. Tandara Caixeta led Brazil with 18 markers.
China had a successful first World Grand Prix match in Nanjing after they completed their straight-set win over Brazil. The victory was extra special as the team hit the 200-mark in number of victories.
China benefitted from Brazil’s nine turnovers in the first set to seize a 25-22 win. The hosts carried their momentum into the next set to mount a big lead but Brazil inched closer 17-16 before China started another run that secured the 25-17 second set win. Brazil made a late run in the third set but China’s superior blocking helped them complete the win in the extended third set 29-27.
China coach An Jiajie:We are very happy to win this match. We faced many challenges and difficulties because Brazil never gave up in this match. Our reception was not good. Hopefully we will draw the lesson from this match and gain better results in the future.
China captain Zhu Ting: We had great coordination and cooperation today, especially when we were trailing Brazil in the third set. We are happy for this victory.
Brazil coach Jose Roberto Guimaraes: Congratulations to China. They played a very good game. We did not perform well in reception. This was a tough game and we learned our lesson.
Brazil captain Natalia Pereira: We didn’t play well in defence. China are a young team and they are very competitive. We will work hard and prepare for our next match.
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