China advances at Swiss Volleyball Masters

Despite unexpected troubles in the opening game, the Chinese women¡¯s volleyball team beat Poland 3-0 to claim its second straight victory at the Montreux Masters in Switzerland.

Chinese players cheer their second straight victory in the group after nailing Poland 25-23, 25-13, 25-12 on Thursday, June 7 2007. [sina.com]

With smashes from Zhang Yuehong and errors made by their rivals, the Chinese built an early 6-4 lead. However, Poland, considered doomed¹ to failure in the group which also includes Turkey and favourites Cuba, reacted to the neglect in their style, with soaring morale² in their offensive play.

Thanks to outstanding services in the game, Poland succeeded in keeping neck and neck with the Olympic champions until 23-23 before Xue Ming¡¯s fast break and a Polish out-of-line smash helped China clinch³ the game.

Poland failed to ride a wave of emotion in the second game, while resurgent Chinese showed their overall ability for attacks and blocks eased to reap a 25-13 lead before the third game.

Unrivaled Chinese were irresistible⁴ in the final game, taking advantages from services and net plays and a 25-12 comfortable win meant China wrapped up its second victory at the tournament.

With two wins, China booked a berth⁵ in the semifinals. They will play arch rival of the group, Cuba, on Friday.

The top two teams of each group will qualify for semis.