With sweeping advantages in all grounds, China eased to a clean victory over a second-string Russian team in the first match at the President Cup women’s volleyball tournament.

 

The brawny Russians only posed threats to visitors China in the opening minutes and their lack of experience forced them to a quick rout with 25-15, 25-12, 25-20 at home.

 

Many new faces were entrusted to start for China by head coach Zhu Guanghu, who is on a move to rejuvenate the Olympic champions aiming for a success at the Beijing Olympics next year.

 

China encountered uncompromising resistance from the hosts after the match began. But after succeeding in holding back the rivals’ net play advantage, everything became smooth for the on-par Chinese.

 

After wining the opener comfortably, the Chinese found it difficult for the rivals to keep up with their pace due to ineffective offensives. With a serve from Xu Yunli, China went to a 2-0 lead.

 

China risked a failure in the third game as the Russians played all-out for counterattacks. But the wily Chinese resurged in time, regaining control as the lead was cut to 16-14, and a spike from Liu Yanan finally hammered the victory.

 

China’s next match is on Friday night against Holland.

 

(CRIENGLISH.com June 30, 2007)