Tianjin Bohai Bank has made history by becoming the first team from the Chinese mainland to reach the final of the Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB) Women's Club World Championship. The team clinched their spot in the final after a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Brazil's Dentil Praia Clube in Hangzhou on Saturday.
Returning as the third-place finishers from the previous edition, Tianjin entered the tournament with renewed confidence and determination. Despite early injury concerns for their captain, Li Yingying, a period of rest allowed the star spiker to make significant contributions, helping the team secure an impressive five-game winning streak to conclude the regular season in the China Volleyball League.
While fatigue from the demanding domestic campaign posed challenges, Tianjin's seasoned players showcased resilience and determination to overcome adversity. In the group stage of the Club World Championship, they advanced without dropping a single set, a feat that not only boosted the squad's morale but also strengthened the trust between the players and coach Chen Fang.
In the semifinals against the tenacious Dentil Praia, Tianjin's strategic focus on service receptions created ample scoring opportunities for their skipper Li Yingying. Li rose to the occasion, scoring 10 of her match-high 32 points in the first set, setting the tone for the match.
Although fatigue began to take its toll in the third set, allowing Dentil Praia to avoid a clean sweep, Tianjin swiftly regained their composure in the fourth. The Chinese club denied Dentil Praia any chance for a turnaround, ultimately prevailing with scores of 25-23, 25-21, 24-26, and 25-22 to secure their place in the final.
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Tianjin becomes first Chinese team to reach FIVB women's club final
cgtn.com
