Women volleyballers beat China for first time in 8 years

By Yoon Chul

The Korean women’s volleyball team beat China for the first time in eight years in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Championship, brightening their prospects for the upcoming Asian Games.

In Osaka, Japan, Korea overcame China 25-22, 25-23, 25-23 in a Pool D preliminary round match, Sunday.

As Korea has now beaten the Dominican Republic, Canada and China without allowing a single set, it confirmed its advance to the second round.

Since the 2002 World Championship in Leipzig, Korea has lost 15 consecutive games against China.

Korean star attacker Kim Yeon-kyung earned 24 points and Hwang Youn-joo and Han Song-yi aided with 16 and 14.

“What I try to do is to motivate everyone including myself,” Kim said on the FIVB website.”It’s not just about myself, but also my teammates.”

“Korean volleyball is at its highest level now,” she said. “Our goal is to make at least the semifinals here. We are also eyeing the Asian Games next month.”

The next matches are against Russia on Tuesday and Turkey on Wednesday.