Source: CCTV.com

05-31-2007 11:27

China have defeated the Netherlands in straight sets for an opening victory at the International Women's Volleyball Classic Series in Beilun, Zhejiang province. But this time, instead of some old hands leading the way, the credit for the comprehensive win has to go a number of promising newcomers.

There were few Olympic champion veterans in China's starting line-up in Wednesday's clash against the Netherlands, giving newcomers the chance to prove themselves.

22-year-old Sun Xiaoqing led the squad of debutantes. The promising youngster lived up to fans' expectations, making 11-for-30 in spikes throughout the game. Her aggressive and efficient attacking was enough to give the hosts a 25-16 first-set win.

China head coach Chen Zhonghe said, "This is her first match in the national team, but she did a wonderful job. She is an aggressive but clever player. She has been telling me that she wants to play, and she didn't let me down."

Sun Xiaoqing's brilliance also gave the other prodigies a boost. They overwhelmed their opponents in the next two sets to win 25-18 and 26-24 to wrap up a straight-sets victory, their second in a row over the Netherlands in the tournament series.

China next play the Dominican Republic, who turned a two-set edge to a defeat over Cuba earlier in the day.

Editor:Liu Fang