Ankara, Turkey, August 13, 2015 – On day 2 of the 2015 FIVB Volleyball U23 Women’s World Championship in Ankara (Turkey), titleholder China overcame Japan in an impressive All-Asian duel 3-1 to secure second spot in Pool B. Hosts Turkey, Brazil and Dominican Republic clinched their second win as well.
Meili Song and Fang Duan led China to a spectacular 3-1 (23-25, 25-16, 25-22, 27-25) win over Japan. It was the best match so far at the 2015 Women’s U23 world champs. China made the difference with better blocking (14-7).
In an all-NORCECA derby, Dominican Republic proved too strong for Cuba. Las Reinas Del Caribe defeated their neighbours from Cuba in straight sets 25-19, 25-13, 25-9. Captain Brayelin Elizabeth Martinez paced the Dominicans with 15 points.
First day’s losing sides Thailand and Peru competed to remain hopeful at the 2015 FIVB Volleyball Women's U23 World Championship. Thailand won 3-1 (21-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-21) to book their first victory in Turkey’s capital.
In Pool A, Bulgaria downed Colombia 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 30-28) to secure their first triumph as well. Colombia showed their huge potential but eventually couldn’t stop Bulgaria’s strong offense.
Brazil overpowered Wednesday’s losing side Egypt in straight sets (25-6, 25-15, 25-11) remaining undefeated. Milka (9) and Saraelen (8) contributed most points for Brazil.
In Thursday’s last Pool A match, hosts Turkey cruised to victory over Italy in four sets (25-15, 22-25, 25-18, 25-22). Hande Baladin led the Turkish side with 18 points.
Schedule for August 14 (local time)
14:00: JPN v THA / ITA v COL
16:30: PER v CUB / BUL v EGY
19:00: TUR v BRA / CHN v DOM
Top Scorer by Day
23- Li Yao of China v Thailand on August 12
23- Martinez Brayelin Elizabeth of Dominican Republic v Peru on August 12
19- Kokram Pimpichaya of Thailand v Peru on August 13
Top Scoring Performances
23- Li Yao of China v Thailand on August 12
23- Martinez Brayelin Elizabeth of Dominican Republic v Peru on August 12
Top Individual Serving Performances
4- Nakata Shino of Japan v Cuba on August 12
4- Shirai Misaki of Japan v Cuba on August 12
4- Baladin Hande of Turkey v Egypt on August 12
4- Shirai Misaki of Japan v China on August 13
Top Team Serving Performances
10- Japan v Cuba on August 12
Top Individual Blocking Performances
5- Aguilera of Cuba v Japan on August 12
5- Chen Xintong of China v Japan on August 13
Top Team Blocking Performances
14- China v Japan on August 13
12- Dominican Republic v Cuba on August 13
12- Peru v Thailand on August 13
12- Italy v Turkey on August 13
Highest Scoring Sets
30-28 Bulgaria v Colombia (3rd set) on August 13
27-25 Thailand v China (1st set) on August 12
27-25 China v Japan (4th set) on August 13
Highest Scoring Matches
190- China v Thailand 3-1 (25-27, 25-19, 25-21, 25-23) on August 12
188- China v Japan 3-1 (23-25, 25-16, 25-22, 27-25) on August 13