IN BRIEF (Page 22)
Volleyball
China overcomes host in Asian championship
JAKARTA: China downed host Indonesia yesterday after a
a five-set thriller in the eight-team Asian Men's Volleyball Championships.
China, who was also forced to the decider in Tuesday's win agains Thailand, appeared to win an easy match against the host, dominating the first two sets 25-16, 25-15.
But the determined Indonesians, cheered by vocal home fans, fought back and leveled the match 25-21, 25-23.
China held on to control the match into the decider, winning the set 15-9.
"It was a hard game," said China head coach Zhou Jian'an. "The first two sets were easy but in the third and fourth set, they changed their setter, which was a turning point."
"But at last, we overcame pressure to win the game. I'm satisfied with that."
China next will have to beat tougher rivals Iran, Japan, South Korea and Australia to win the tournament.
Soccer
Sun impressive as City beats United in reserves
English Premier League club Manchester City's Chinese international midfielder Sun Jihai performed impressively during the reserve team's 3-1 win against Manchester United on Tuesday.
It was a hard fought but well deserved victory as a strong City line-up - including Emile Mpenza, Sun, Michael Ball and Ousmane Dabo - defeated its bitter city rival thanks to late goals from Emile Mpenza, Adam Clayton and Ashley Grimes.
Apart from a strong defensive display, Sun was also offensive up front. His cross cum shot six minutes before the interval curled beyond goalkeeper Heaton's right-hand post having just missed Marc Laird's attempts to make contact.
Sun has been striving for a place in new manager Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad.
Only given a chance to play in a League Cup match, Sun is yet to be included in the 16-man list after the new season's five top-flight league matches.
Miscellaneous
Stars promote grassroots campaign with Pepsi
Former three-time Olympic gymnastics champion Liu Xuan and world and Olympic long-distance winner Wang Junxia will be depicted on soft drink cans as part of a Pepsi advertising campaign also aimed at developing grassroots sport in China.
Red commemorative cans will bear pictures of well-known sports figures and be sold in limited numbers across the nation.
"Buying the cans for memory is a very good way to support China teams' preparation for Beijing Olympics," Liu said.
Wang said he would give a can adorned by his image to his son.
"I will tell my son how important the sport is. I am also happy to have a chance to give my best wishes to the Chinese athletes.
"I also hope more and more people will take part in different sports and win glory for our country in the future."
(China Daily 09/06/2007 page22)
