China

China out after losing to France

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-09-28 09:13

TURIN - China's campaign of the World Championship was brought to a premature end after they lost to France in straight sets on Monday.

China, who have aimed a second-phase slot of the tournament, were overpowered by the French spikers on their way to a disheartening loss of 25-17, 25-20, 25-19.

"My players were fighting with their back to the wall, they brought out their best," said Zhou Jianan, China's head coach.

"After losing the first two group matches, we knew that our chance to reach the next stage was very slim. So I asked my players to do their best in the match, and I think they did it.

"I hope what they have experienced here could be a blessing in disguise. We suffer three losses in a row, this is humiliating, but it could be an asset which will urge them to work hard," Zhou added.

China lost their first two group matches to Bulgaria and Czech respectively.

Shen Qiong, China's captain, blamed their dismal performance on inexperience.

"It is the first time for some of our players to play in a major tournament like this. Sometimes they were nervous and made some mistakes. Maybe this is the price we should pay to grow up," he said.