Shanghai win 18th China Men's Volleyball Super League championship

Shanghai defeated Baoding 3-1 at home in the third match of the China Men's Volleyball Super League Finals on Sunday, winning the series 2-1 and their 18th league championship.

Though Baoding were playing on the road, they were in better form than the hosts and established a 21-12 lead in the first set before clinching it 25-17.

Shanghai bounced back quickly in the second set which went all the way and was tied 17-17. Then Shanghai made several changes to their rotation, which proved effective and helped them claim the set 25-22.

The home team continued to perform better and better in the third set, hitting with higher accuracy. By contrast, Baoding committed more mistakes and trailed 20-14. Shanghai took the set 25-19 and were one set away from winning the title.

The visitors were the leading side as the fourth set began, but Shanghai came back with solid defense and regained the advantage thanks to consecutive sloppy serves by the opponents.

In the end, Shanghai clinched the fourth set 25-22 and lifted the league championship trophy for the 18th time in club history.