China topples Dominican Republic to advance at volleyball worlds
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Athens Olympic champions China crushed the Dominican Republic in straight sets in a key group match to book a berth in the knockout round in the women's volleyball world championships on Tuesday.
The 25-12, 25-21, 25-14 win saved China from the cusp of crashing out at the first round for the first time since 1974 following two losses to South Korea and Turkey.
"For both teams this is obviously an important match. Unfortunately we can't win the game," said Cabral Milagros, captain of the Dominican team, adding low concentration and not playing with confidence are the main reasons for losing in four straight matches in the group stage.
China's solid defense helped them to win with comfort in the first set. The losing side came back with some strength in the second, but too many mistakes in serving and defense helped China to resist the Dominican Republic to continue with two straight wins in the second and third set.
The losing team offered 23 errors compared with China's nine. The Chinese ace spiker Wang Yimei is the top scorer of the match, collecting 13 points, followed by Ma Yunwen with 12 points.
"The team play and concentration is very good," said Chinese coach Yu Juemin. "It is unimaginable pressure for the players after losing to Korea and Turkey and I am very happy we can win the game."
"We don't have star players like the No. 10 of South Korea or No. 17 of Turkey. The Chinese team played as a unity."
"Tonight's win is a very important lesson for our players to grow mentally and psychologically," said Yu.
China will play Russia before moving to Tokyo for the next round, while the Dominica Republic will take on Canada even though both teams have already been ousted of the championships.
Yu said he believed China can play with confidence and style against Russia as "the pressure has been unloaded", while Russian coach Vladimir Kuzyukin has said Russia will go all-out to beat China so as to confirm a good position in the knock-out stage.
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