China's volleyball team trounces Germany, one step away from 2020 Olympics
CGTN
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Chinese players celebrate their 3-1 victory against Germany during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games' women's volleyball qualifying match in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, August 3, 2019. /VCG Photo

Chinese players celebrate their 3-1 victory against Germany during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games' women's volleyball qualifying match in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, August 3, 2019. /VCG Photo

The Chinese women's volleyball team is only one step away from 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games after the team trounced Germany 3-1 in a FIVB Volleyball Qualification women's Pool B match in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Saturday.

This was Team China's second win following their 25-18, 25-23, 25-19 victory over the Czech Republic on Friday.

China will clash against Turkey on Sunday and the winner of the game will book the berth for the 2020 Olympics.

Germany dominanted for the most of the time in the first set. Trailing at 18-21, China's head coach Lang Ping sent Zeng Chunlei and Yao Di on to the field.

Then, China clawed three points back and tied the game at 21-21. Zeng's serves destroyed Germany's defense and China scored two points in a row to take the set 25-22.

Coach Lang Ping (L) takes a photo with an elderly volleyball fan after the match in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, August 3, 2019. /VCG Photo

Coach Lang Ping (L) takes a photo with an elderly volleyball fan after the match in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, August 3, 2019. /VCG Photo

China built an early lead in the second set, with Zhu Ting's high-flying spikes and Yan Ni's firm blocks, China won the set 25-22, again.

The German team managed to pull their act together in the third set and with Poll Jana Franziska and Geerties Jennifer, who together scored 28 points, Germany won the set 25-21.

The fourth set was much easier for the Chinese team, as they led at 5-1 and sealed the victory 25-15.

"We changed the starting positions in the fourth set, which helped the team a lot," said Lang Ping after the match, "This is a tough game. Germany did a great job, especially on their defense. We made some mistakes in our reception, but thanks to our attacking players, we won the game. I think we should do more on our blocking and defense."

Zhu Ting led the game with 21 points including 20 from spikes. Gong Xiangyu had 14 points and Li Yingying had 13 points.

Early on Saturday, Turkey defeated the Czech Republic 3-1 (25-15, 25-22, 21-25, 25-17) for the team's second win at the tournament.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency