Kazakhstan-Hong Kong
In Tuesday’s Pool E match at the Shuangliu Sports Center, Hong Kong displayed a gallant effort to challenge the taller line-up of the opponent. Sze Kaiyi performed well at the middle, sending quick drops to throw off the opponents’ defence and to set the tone of the opening set. The Kazakh blockers tried to contain the opponents’ challenge but they were thrown off by Hong Kong’s service aces.
Later, Kazakhstan revised their game plan. Offense was shifted to the middle and the taller players opened fire. Gubaidullina performed her duties by reaping points that meant a second set victory for the Kazakh girls.
Hong Kong restored their momentum as captain Chow Yinlam Natalie performed well from the service area. Yan Ching likewise sparkled with her attacks from the right flank. Kazakhstan was able to gather points to narrow the lead but their errors gave away the third set to the opponents.
Kazakhstan emerged in the fourth set with Bortnitskaya helping out in offense. Hong Kong tried bounce back from their predicament by utilising their substitute players, but the Kazakhs held on to the advantage of a stronger and quicker middle.
In the decider, Hong Kong gave away an instant four points to their opponents with misfired attacks. Kazakhstan’s Bortnitskaya extended the lead with her service aces. The Hong Kong girls lost grip of their endgame and committed error after error, only allowing Kazakhstan to seal victory.
Gubaidullina scored a total of 24 points while Bortnitskaya contributed 15 markers for Kazakhstan’s second win in the tournament.
To read the latest news click here
