China surrender as Japan lift trophy at championship
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-09-28 08:36

BANGKOK, September 27 (Xinhua) -- Japan powered to a straight-set victory over error-prone China in the final to take the title of the Asian Men's Volleyball Championship in Suphan Buri, Thailand on Tuesday.

China's Shen Qiu spikes during the game. [Xinhua]

China, who rallied from two sets down to see off South Korea 3-2 in Monday's semifinal, failed to stage another inspiring comeback against Japan, losing 14-25, 20-25 and 18-25.

"We failed to play our game. The spikers combined to score no more than 20 points, but in yesterday's semifinal three spikers each scored more than 20 on average," said Chinese head coach Di Anhe.

"The bottom line is our weak mentality in the competition. We need to redress the problem after going home," he added.

China started on the wrong foot in the opening set, losing the first three points in a row and failing to stem the winning momentum of their opponents.

China played better in the second set but their attempts to bounce back were dented by a string of mistakes. They continued their skids in the last set with the errors on big points costing China dear.

"Japan could always seize on our errors to score," Di said. "That is the major reason for their victory."

Earlier in the day, South Korea beat India 25-20, 25-18, 22-25 and 25-16 in the bronze medal match.

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