China sweeps past Iran to reach final at Asian Women's Volleyball Championship

China swept past Iran 3-0 in the semifinals of the Asian Women's Volleyball Championship in Tianjin on Saturday, setting up a title match against Thailand while also clinching direct qualification into the 2027 FIVB Women's World Cup.

Record 13-time continental champion China, aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 2015, topped Pool A without dropping a set before beating Vietnam in straight sets in Friday's quarterfinals. Iran, the Pool A runner-up, rallied to eliminate Indonesia 3-1 and reach the semifinals for the first time.

Although Iran lost 3-0 to China in pool play, the West Asian side showed marked improvement in this contest, closing the gap to 23-21 in the first set. But Wu Mengjie scored two crucial points to help the home team close out the opener.

After a competitive start to the second, China pulled away to take a 19-10 lead before wrapping up the set 25-12.

China jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the third set, but Iran fought back to cut the deficit to 20-18. China maintained its composure, however, and held off the comeback attempt to complete the sweep 25-19.

The host nation dominated at the net, outblocking Iran 13-2, while also producing a 52-40 advantage in kills. Zhuang Yushan scored a match-high 17 points while Wu added 12. Fatemeh Khalili and Ayda Valinezhad led Iran with 11 points apiece.

"We made thorough preparations for this match. Technically, our overall performance was solid," China coach Zhao Yong said. "I believe we have not fully shown our true strength on the court. We need to stay confident in ourselves and our teammates, and we will gradually gain the upper hand as matches go on."

In the other semifinal showdown, Thailand stunned five-time Asian champion Japan 3-1, advancing to the championship contest and sealing a World Cup spot.

The final is set for Sunday, with the winner also qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.