Iran
Host China wasted no time in trumping Hong Kong to ascend to the top position in Pool A. The Chinese side utilized its height and competition experience to the fullest in their three-set win (25-6, 25-12, 25-12) on Sunday. Sun Haiping and Yuan Xinyue towered over at the net and decimated the subtle spikes of the Hong Kong girls. China possessed unadulterated power in the match, adding service aces to their attacking and blocking accomplishments. Hu Mingyuan provided the most points with 10 for China’s favour, but every other player in the lineup, substitutes included, contributed to the scoring chart.
Blocking was likewise a factor for India as they edged out Iran 3-1 (25-22, 25-17, 22-25, 25-22) in Pool B of the tournament, ranking behind Japan. India’s Krishna was instrumental in posting an effective stance that she scored seven points from blocks. Iran was able to retaliate with their total of 20 service aces, but their errors proved harmful in their cause to send the match to a decider.
Japan picked up win number three to snatch the top spot in Pool B with a victory against Australia, 3-0 (25-7, 25-22, 25-22). Sarina Koga and Shino Nakata stood out as a scoring tandem, combining for 21 points. The Japanese side also eyed weak spots in the Australians’ defensive position and scored a total of 13 points from service aces.
Thailand seized Pool C leadership with their win against new participant Mongolia 3-0 (25-15, 25-12, 25-7). While the Mongolian team stood their ground in the opening plays with their promising digs, they later suffered dearly from their errors. They completely lost their composure and they only managed to send the ball over without any clear intent of power or precision. Thailand’s U. Rujira further damaged Mongolia’s morale with her 14-point contribution.
In Pool D, Korea easily vanquished Sri Lanka in three sets 25-6, 25-7, 25-9 with Lee Hanbi engineering an impressive performance of 14 points. The Korean side likewise unleashed their scoring weapons from the service area, charting a total of 11 aces. Sri Lanka only suffered from their floor defence and when they had the chance to receive properly, they failed in orchestrating effective plays for their hitters.
Korea’s win lands them in second place in Pool D. Chinese Taipei already picked the top spot with their flawless card.
The 13 teams will now be reorganized following a crossover tournament formula for the succeeding round. The winners to be determined during the October 20 finale will advance to the FIVB Girls Youth World Championship. The pool top two finishers will be grouped inn Pool E and F to decide first to eight while the others will fight for the ninth to 13th.
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