China's Zhu Ting spikes the ball during the match against the US at the 2013 FIVB World Grand Prix Finals on Friday in Sapporo, Japan. Photo: CFP

 The Chinese women's national volleyball team continued their winning streak at the 2013 FIVB (International Federation of Volleyball) World Grand Prix Finals as they defeated defending champions the US 25-20, 25-23, 25-17 at Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center in Sapporo, Japan on Friday. This marked the Chinese team's 12th consecutive win in this year's tournament.

China's Zhu Ting was named the most impressive player of the match as the 18-year-old left-side hitter contributed a match-high 23 points for China while Kelly Murphy led the US with 11.

The US led in blocking with eight to China's seven and in aces with four to three, but made 18 errors that cost them the match.

Hui Ruoqi, the Chinese captain, said after the match, "We had a good start but after the first set we didn't play so well. We tried our best and finally were able to win, so I'm very happy and proud of my team."

China began the game by flying to a 6-0 lead. After Christathe Harmotto scored the first point for the US, Zhu and Yang Junjing, the middle hitter, combined to put China 8-1 up at the first technical timeout. The US started to find their range as they equalized with China at the second technical timeout, but Lang Ping's girls managed­ to stretch out a lead to win the first set.

The beginning of the second set saw China's right-side hitter Zeng Chunlei's spike blocked by Harmotto who returned with a spike. A spike from Zhu was challenged successfully by the US, and Kelly Murphy's smash took the US 4-0 up.

However, a string of errors from the US brought China back into it at 11-11 but the US kept their lead with 16-14 at the second technical timeout. The two sides traded points until China drew level at 23-23. Zhu popped up once again with a block and spike to put China two sets up.

The US started the third set with a 7-2 run with Lauren Gibbemeyer's block helping the US to a 6-point lead at the first technical timeout. The scores were close and the two sides leveled at 15-15, but Yang helped China take the lead at the second technical timeout. A timely 8-2 run saw China reach the match point with a spike by Kimberly Hill going out to the match.

Coach Lang, who was at the helm of the US team from 2005 to 2008, said during the post-match conference, "I know the USA team very well. They have a lot of great players who aren't at this tournament. They have brought young, talented players and they are doing a great job.

"Before the match, I told my players we needed to get used to the opponents' speed. We haven't played a fast team yet, so we had to make the adjustment on court and learn to make quick transitions," She noted.

Team China was set to face hosts Japan on Saturday.

Global Times