Tianjin takes first women's volleyball title at National Games
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-10-23 09:56

Glittering Tianjin powered to a straight-set win over reigning champion Chinese Army in the women's volleyball final at the 10th National Games Saturday.

It is the first title of the event for Tianjin, three-time successive champion of the Chinese first division league.

Tianjin entered the 3,000-seater battleground with their heads held high in great confidence after they stunned all rivals en route to Saturday's final.

The defending champion, unbeatable so far, had something in mind -- an high hope of saving the best for last.

Against the fiercely-attacking Tianjin, starred by national team center Zhang Ping and brilliant attackers Li Shan and Li Juan,Chinese Army started dismally in the opener, falling behind 0-5.

Tianjin continued their unchallenged run to 24-17, when the Chinese Army launched a 5-0 comeback and caught the score at 22-24.With Zhang Ping's powerful spikes, however, Tianjin captured the first set 25-22.

Tianjin still dominated the second set after the army spikers became more prone to unforced serving and spiking errors. Taking acommanding 21-15 lead, Tianjin played an impeccable defence which allowed the crack rivals tough times to score. A determined Tianjin took the set 25-15 with an ace.

In the final set, the defending champion fell behind 17-11 but overtook the lead at 18-17. The two teams launched fierce attack then, tying from 21 to 24 all. With an attacking error by Chinese Army middle Bai Yun and a powerful spike from Zhang Ping, Tianjin won the set and the 80-minute tussle.

"Our four-year hard training was finally paid off tonight. My players have shown their best and I am very happy with their performance," said Wang Baoquan, Tianjin's head coach with smile.

"I am surprised with such a crashing loss as I thought we couldwin at least one set," said Wu Yongmei, captain of the Chinese Army.

"Tianjin staged brilliant defence while we haven't played to our highest level as we are badly eager to win this match," she added.

In the play-off for the bronze medal, Liaoning came from one set down to stun the host Jiangsu 25-23, 28-26, 26-28 and 25-16.