China beats Japan to win the U18 Women’s Asian Volleyball Championship

Sun Hongyun (R) of China spikes the ball during the China-Japan final match of the 15th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on June 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

BANGKOK, June 23 (Xinhua) — China overwhelmed Japan to end a 19-year title drought in the Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on Sunday.

China defeated Japan 25-22, 25-18, 26-24 to claim its first championship since 2005. China maintained a perfect record throughout the tournament without conceding a single set.

Led by opponent Yang Shuming and middle blocker Wang Aoqian, China overpowered Japan with the size advantage and quickly ranked second against Japan.

In a much tighter third set, Japan, looking for a ninth consecutive title, had several runs but could not keep China away. After China saved Japan’s set point and tied the score at 24-24, Wang Aoqian’s ace gave China the championship point, which her team converted after Japan knocked the ball out of bounds.

China players celebrate after winning the final match between China and Japan at the 15th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on June 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

China players celebrate after winning the final match between China and Japan at the 15th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on June 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

Sun Hongyun (R) of China spikes the ball during the China-Japan final match of the 15th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on June 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

Coaches of China celebrate after the final match between China and Japan at the 15th Asian Women’s Volleyball U18 Championship in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on June 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

Yang Shuming (L) of China spikes the ball during the China-Japan final match of the 15th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on June 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

Shen Jiayi (L) of China spikes the ball during the China-Japan final match of the 15th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on June 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)