China finishes second at FIVB World Grand Prix

FOLLOWING an opening loss to the Netherlands, China’s volleyball team kept bouncing back at the FIVB World Grand Prix and finished second in the final rankings on nine points after beating Brazil 25-21, 25-21, 25-13 at the Beilun Sports and Arts Center, in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, last night.

Three-time defending champion Brazil had to settle for a disappointing fifth place in the six-team round-robin tournament with one win and four losses.

Earlier yesterday, the Netherlands beat Russia 3-2 to claim the title of the event with five wins.

After taking the opening set 25-21, China leapt to an early 5-3 lead in the second set, inspired by middle blockers Ma Yunwen and Xue Ming.

China captain Zhou Suhong battered home on the second set to make it 25-21. (Xinhua)