Hong Kong, July 16, 2015 - 24 points from Zhu Ting helped China beat Thailand 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 27-25) in Pool H of the FIVB World Grand Prix. Zhu Ting was closely followed by Xinyue Yuan with 17 points, including 9 kill blocks.
China were the favourites before the match and they took control of the opening set from the very beginning earning a two-point lead before the first technical time-out. Powerful Chinese spikes and numerous errors from Thailand helped China extend their lead to seven points at 17-10. They were able to maintain that advantage to clinch the set, 25-18.
Thailand responded well by taking a 4-1 lead early on in the second set. They were able to stay in front for a while, but at 13-11 for Thailand incredible serves from Zhu Ting and Xinyue Yuan's towering block gave China eleven points in a row. Thailand managed to finally score their 14th point, but it was too little too late as China won the set, 25-14.
The third set proved to be the closest with Thailand not allowing China to build a healthy lead. Much like in the second set, it was Zhu Ting and Xinyue Yuan who stepped up in the most important moment. Their booming attacks helped China widen the gap to four points at 21-17. Thailand never gave up, however, tying the score at 23-all. A thrilling finish saw Xinyue Yuan and Changning Zhang score with a block to hand China a 27-25 victory.
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