China mark consecutive win at volleyball Grand Prix
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Xinhua, August 21, 2011
China recorded their second win at the volleyball World Grand Prix in Hong Kong by overcoming Kazakhstan in four sets (25-16, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21) on Saturday.
The GP newcomer produced troubles for the hosts in the second set by powerful serves, strong attacks and intelligent tactical play, while the young Chinese players failed to adjust and lost their rhythm.
"We played the game with China in the first round of the Grand Prix and had a very exciting second set as well but lost. This time we won the second set quite remarkably," commented the Kazakhstan coach Baitureyev Bakhytzhan.
China's head coach Yu Juemin said his team failed to cope with the change of Kazakhstan players in the second set, which posed great challenge to them, upsetting their momentum.
"This exposed our weaknesses and we need to work especially hard in receiving and defense," said Yu, adding the girls performed well and stable in all the other sets.
China and Kazakhstan will meet again in the group rounds of the Asian Championship next month in Taiwan. Kazakhstan captain Korinna Ishimtseva noted they would be better prepared for the upcoming match.
"We will look at the mistakes we made this time and learn from them," she said.
China take on Poland on Sunday to vie for their first GP leg champion this season. It is also a vital match for the Poles as they are fighting for a position in the GP finals in Macao next week. Kazakhstan meet the Dominican Republic to end their first Grand Prix season.
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