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China and Chinese Taipei through to Women's World Championship Finals

Ningbo, China, August 6, 2005 - China and Chinese Taipei both advanced to the finals of 2005 Women's World Volleyball Championship after winning their third consecutive victory at the World Championship first round tournament Asia Group A here on Saturday.

China had no difficulties in crushing Uzbekistan in straight sets 25-7, 25-18, 25-9. China collected six points from three wins and no loss and is assured a berth in the finals of 2006 Women's World Championship. China is the strongest team in the five participating teams and no one doubted that they will enter the finals.

But the match between Chinese Taipei and Australia on Saturday was a crucial one as the winner joined China in the finals. Chinese Taipei at last edged Australia in four sets and with the 25-15, 24-26, 25-18, 26-24 victory, they earned a berth in next year's world championship to be held in Japan no matter what the result of their last group game is on Sunday against China.
Pic: Chinese Taipei's Kou N.H hard in attack as the Australian block of Peacock, Lealamanua & Rourke go to work
"Many spectators chanted cheers for us tonight. I am very grateful to them for their support," said Lin Kuang Hung, head coach of Chinese Taipei.

Chinese Taipei started the match at a fast tempo and built a 5-0 lead upon its fluid attack. The Australians, riddled with hitting and receiving errors, were unable to break Chinese Taipei's disciplined defense throughout the first set.

The second set was more heatedly contested as the lead traded hands five times before Chinese Taipei forged 12-10 ahead. Trailing 16-12, Australia scored seven points in a stretch to overtake the lead at 19-16 and eventually take the set 26-24.

The third set was also a see-saw affair in the opening stage, but after Chinese Taipei established a 15-12 advantage, they never looked dangerous. Cheered on by hundreds of fans in the stands, Chinese Taipei raced to a 7-2 lead in the fourth set, but Australia clawed back to level it at 13 and went 19-15 in front. As the match looked set for the fifth and deciding set, Lin Ching I and Kou Nai han spearheaded a strong rally to help Chinese Taipei regain the lead at 24-23. Lin sealed the crucial victory with an ace after Australia fended off match point once.

Despite missing out on a place in the world championship, Australia's coach Jiang Ying said she was proud of her team which was formed this January.

"My players tried their best in today's game," said Jiang, a former player of the Chinese national team in the 1980s. "Four of my players felt sick last night but they insisted on playing the game. I'm touched by their perseverance," she added.

China will play Chinese Taipei in the last day to decide the rankings, while Jordan play Uzbekistan in the early match. Australia has the bye