IN BRIEF (Page 22)
Volleyball
China crowned at Russia President Cup
China defended its title at the 2007 Russia President Cup Women's Volleyball Tournament after overcoming the Netherlands 25-21, 22-25, 25-18, 37-35 in Yekaterinburg, Russia yesterday.
Chen Zhonghe, China's head coach, was satisfied with his team's performance, especially the young players. He said that "my players played to their form but their blocking was not as good as I expected."
Both teams clinched straight set victory over their semifinal rivals. China qualified for the final after a 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-16) victory over host Russia while the Netherlands easily defeated Turkey 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-21).
It is the fifth year of the tournament. Russia won the first three editions but was beaten by China at last year's final.
Tennis
Zheng Jie undergoes successful surgery
Chinese Doubles Grand Slam champion Zheng Jie underwent successful surgery on Monday, but will be sidelined for about three months, according to local media reports.
A long-term ankle injury forced her withdrawal from this year's French Open and Wimbledon Open.
The doctor in charge of the operation said that Zheng could return to training within two months after leaving the Third Hospital of Beijing Medical College on Monday morning.
But Zheng's head coach Wang Liangzhuo told Shanghai Evening Post that China Tennis Administrative Center may extend her rest to three month, meaning Zheng will miss August's US Open.
The injury also poses a threat to her partnership with Yan at the 2008 Beijing Olympics as the team is considering finding a new partner for Yan.
Yan is now competing with Peng Shuai at the ongoing Wimbledon Open.
Badminton
Chen, Ng lift Indonesian club to victory
JAKARTA: Chinese shuttler Chen Hong and Ng Wei helped Surya Naga badminton club of Indonesia win the Super League badminton championships over the weekend.
Surabaya-based Surya Naga beat Jaya Raya of Jakarta 3-2 in the men's team final.
Chen opened the scoring for Surya Naga by beating Kendrick Lee of Singapore 15-21, 21-18, 21-14.
Jaya Raya's Chandra Wijaya and Markis Kido levelled the tie 1-1 by beating compatriots Alvent Yulianto and veteran Tri Kusharjanto 21-14, 21-19.
Surya Naga retook the lead with Sony Dwi Kuncoro beating Ronald Susilo of Singapore 21-11, 13-21, 21-16.
Jaya Raya again won the double match to make the third men's singled match a decider. Hong Kong's Ng Wei finally ensured the trophy for Surya Naga beating Taufik Hidayat Akbar 20-22, 21-19, 21-19.
(China Daily 07/04/2007 page22)
