Zhu Ting (R) of China celebrates with her teammate after winning the 1/2 final match against Thailand at the 18th Asian Senior Women's Volleyball Championships in Tianjin, north China, on May 27, 2015. China won 3-1. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)
China beat defending champions Thailand 3-1 in the semifinals of volleyball Asian Championship in Tianjin on Wednesday.
The defending champions, who eliminated China two years ago in the semifinals before eventually winning the title, shocked their opponents with their trademark fast-pace attack. Onuma Sittirak and Malika Kanthong combined in the attacking formation to give Thailand the first set 25-22.
To the loud cheers from home fans, team China came back from a 0-3 start to level at 6-6 in the second set. Hui Ruoqi and Zhu Ting combined for four straight points to lead the host team to a 21-17 victory.
After losing the third set 10-25 in an unexpected way, Thailand found back their form and once led by 14-10 in the fourth set before Hui Ruoqi and Yang Junjing combined with four points in a row to level the score at 14-all and the host team went on to win the match 25-23.
Zhu Ting scored a game-high 28 points while Onuma Sittirak led Thailand with 24 points.
"We prepared for the possible deficit, we prepared for a five-set match," said Jenny Lang Ping, head coach of China.
China will play in the final against South Korea which defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 in another semifinal match on Wednesday.
