MATCH INFO

Sapporo, Japan, November 13, 2011 - Press Conference, China v Korea: After a very tough tournament so far, a tired Chinese squad pulled out a far easier win against the Korean team. Chinese coach Yu Juemin is happy with how his players performed considering the difficulties they have faced so far.

China coach Yu Juemin: Today’s game was the last of third round. And so far we had eight games so we’re mentally and physically tired, but we did well. This game was very important for us.

On where China stands in comparison to Asian rivals: As you said before we became Asian champions but Asian teams are not so strong. We three teams [China, Japan, Korea] have different features, so we don’t know who will win next time. After eight games our team was exhausted. We will move to Tokyo now, and try to rest and prepare for the next game.

On three games in Tokyo: It is very difficult because America and Germany are very strong teams. I’m not sure whether we can get third or now, but if we lose our rankings will drop, so we’ll be sure to do our best.

China captain Wei Qiuyue: In today’s game this result was from our own effort. so far we had really hard games, but today we all did our best. all players were on the court and gave a good effort.

Our [Wei and Zhang] combinations were better than before. We played well as a team. Zhang Lei is really quick. Her setting was very good.

On her own World Cup preparation and performance: Before the World Cup I made efforts to recognize what position I should be. When the World Cup started I tried to do my best and now I’m in a rhythm, but I still need to improve.

China player Zhang Lei: In the morning we had a team meeting and we followed those instructions well in this game. Our speed was good — especially in the third, our substitutions came in and did well too. This game came together as a result of everyone’s good efforts.

On her play with Wei Qiuyue: Our combinations were really good as our captain said. And this year our play is getting better and better. I hope we can continue to improve.

On substitution Mi Yang: For number two [Mi Yang] it was her first time, and she played well; she had prepared well. I should say her performance was very good.

Korea coach Kim Hyung-Sil: So far we haven’t won against China, and today was not so good. China’s height and power were better than us. For our setter it was her first time to play in such a big game. In Tokyo [the site of round four play] we will do our best to win.

Korea player Kim Yeon-Koung: We didn’t play good as a team in this World Cup, so we’re going to try to learn from our mistakes and improve, so we can put on a good show for the fans.