China beats Bulgaria for second straight win
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-05-26 09:57

Olympic and World Cup double winner China came from behind to beat Bulgaria 3-1 hereon Wednesday for its second straight win at the Shenzhou Cup China International Women's Volleyball Tournament.

China's Liu Yanan is smashing during the match with Bulgarian Team at the Shenzhou Cup China International Women's Volleyball Tournament. [Xinhua]

The Chinese women, 3-0 winners over the Netherlands on Tuesday,started well before more than 8,000 home fans as they built a 16-12 lead in the first set. However, Bulgaria improved its blocking against Chu Jinling and used a 10-4 run to go up 22-20.

China pulled within 23-22, but a kill by Denitsa Karaulanova and a spiking error of Yang Hao gave Bulgaria the first set 25-22.

Easily taking the second set 25-19, the Chinese women met serious challenge in the third. After the two sides fought to a 25-25 tie, Chu Jinling smashed a ball home and drove another out of bounds to make it two sets to one.

In the fourth set, the Chinese continued the winning momentum as they took the set 25-16 and closed the match in one hour and 38minutes.

"Bulgaria played very well today and their offense was much quicker than before," said Chinese head coach Chen Zhonghe. "They also had very good receiving today, which allowed them to play efficient offense."

"We had ups and downs in the match," Chen added. "We failed to display our advantage in serving and receiving, but I am happy with the young players' performance."

Wang Yimei, 17, came from the bench to convert 14 of her 25 killing opportunities and led China with 15 points.

"Young players did a good job, especially our new spiker Wang Yimei," said Olympic gold medalist Zhou Suhong. "As an 'old' player, I was encouraged by their performance."

Eva Yoaneva led Bulgaria with 16 points.

"I am happy with the way we played today," said Bulgaria head coach Miroslav Zhivkov. "It is satisfactory to win one set against China, which is the best team in the world."

China led Group A with two wins, followed by Bulgaria and Poland with one win and one loss. The Netherlands was at the bottom of the group with two defeats. Enditem

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