Six-time champions Japan kept their unbeaten record, following their straight-set win over Chinese Taipei
Chongqing, China, March 8, 2017 – Powerhouses Japan, Thailand, Korea and hosts China logged straight-set wins in the playoff round to keep their unbeaten records in the 11th Asian Girls’ U18 Volleyball Championship at Chongqing No. 8 Secondary School Gymnasium on Wednesday.
Japan defeated East Asian rivals Chinese Taipei 3-0 (25-14, 25-14, 25-17). Both squads played a fast-paced game but six-time champions Japan charged ahead with powerful combination plays and excellent defence to maintain great momentum in the competition.
Thailand faced an aggressive Hong Kong side but still prevailed with a 3-0 (25-12, 25-21, 25-19) win. Thailand were undisputed in the first set, but Hong Kong made up for their performance in the opening set to start the succeeding sets with an advantage. However, the Thais stepped up to complete the sweep.
Hosts China asserted their supremacy over Australia 3-0 (25-10, 25-11, 25-19). After comfortable wins in the first and second frames, China fielded in their reserves in the third set, allowing Australia to bridge the gap at 19-17. China brought their starters back in the set to seal the straight-set victory.
Korea recorded a 3-0 (25-9, 25-17, 25-12) win over New Zealand to retain their clean win-record. New Zealand mounted nine blocks, but Korea excelled from the service line with 15 aces.
Meanwhile, Iran finally broke into the win column with a 3-2 (17-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-22, 15-11) win over Uzbekistan in the classification match for 9th to 11th.
The matches of the Top 8 teams will continue on Thursday, featuring big match-ups between Japan and Korea, and China and Thailand, which will determine the quarterfinal match-ups.