Xue/Zhang holds off semi-final victory against Thailand in Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship
The AVC Continental Women’s Beach Volleyball Cup ran from 19-24 October, 2010 at the Holiday Beach in the capital city of south China’s Hainan Province, Haikou. The event was attended by 23 Women’s beach volleyball teams. The first phase of the game promoted16
teams in the last 16 round that played for the quarter-finals. 8 duos survived the important quarter-final stage, which was played on Friday, October 22, 2010. At the end of day, four-team squad was finalized to play in the semi-finals. The following teams
took their seats in the semi-final slot on Saturday, October, 23rd, 2010.
China – Xue Chen/Zhang Xi Japan- ShinakoTanaka/Sayaka Mizoe Kazakhstan- Tatyana Mashkova/Irina Tsimbalova Thailand- Kamoltip Kulna/Yupa Phokrongploy
The AVC Beach Volleyball Championship brought a lot of luck for the home-pair, the top-seeded Xue Chen and Zhang. The dynamic duo started off really well and didn’t allow any other team to hinder their performance. They kept an amazing run in the tournament
and won all their fights with an excellent record. Xue/Zhang never failed to impress the spectators and received hug applause from fans. They clinched a spot in the semi-final by defeating Vietnam in the quarter-final. Xue and Zhange were joined by Thailand’s
Kamoltip Kulna and Yupa Phokrongploy in the semi-final. The home-side exhibited brilliant action and outplayed Thailand with a score 2-0. China thrashed a straight set victory over Thailand and got ticket to the final showdown of Beach Volleyball Championship.
China vs. Thailand 2-0 (21-17, 21-16)
The semi-final was played at Holiday Beach in Haikou, China in front of pretty crowded arena. The top-form China’s queens outshined with a delivery of impressive game and crashed Thailand’s dream to play in the final combat.
First Set
Phokongploy Yupa and Kulna Kampltip of Thailand had a big challenge to play against Olympic bronze medal winners Xue Chen/Zhang Xi. The home-side supplied enough power to their serves and created very strong impression from the very start of first set. They
covered every angle and strengthen their grip on the ball. The powerful spikes and good defence earned them lead before the first technical timeout. Thai pair tried to remain calm but they were slowly drafted under pressure. Xue/Zhang put a combined effort
and restricted Thailand to score points.
Zhang stood well behind the baseline and served the ball with full might of her hands. The ball rolled toward the point and didn’t leave any choice for defender to deal with it. On top of it, Chinese pair also earned points by hitting short serves. Thailand
returned the ball in China’s court but top-seeded Xu/Zhang maintained a fair difference to points. After the second technical timeout, ball moved like a bullet speed as Xue was on strike. The home-side added consecutive points in score and ended the first
set at 21-17.
Second Set
Thailand was agitated by the loss of first set. They tried different ways to recover the loss and attacked China from middle court. Xue/Zhang were positioned in a unique style and they didn’t let the ball drop on their side so easily. They counter attacked
Thailand and forced them to stay behind the attack line. Thailand was deep down in trouble as China once again picked up lead. Xue complimented Zhang in a great way and worked out nice rallies. Thailand struggled hard but couldn’t avoid the chances of defeat
in second set. China pulled off victory by posting 21-16 victory and qualified for the final match of AVC Beach Volleyball Championship. The team is determined to keep up the same energy and secure the title trophy.
Tags: