NINGBO, China, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Host China was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Finals after suffering a 3-1 loss to unbeaten Japan here on Wednesday.
Ranked 35th in the world, China finished last in the preliminary phase with a 1-11 record but qualified for the Finals as host nation, while world No. 4 Japan entered the knockout stage as the top seed after sweeping all 12 of its preliminary matches.
China came out aggressively, putting Japan under pressure with quick attacks and solid blocking to claim the opening set 25-23. The second set remained closely contested, but Japan's more consistent serve reception and defense helped it edge the host 25-23.
China struggled with unforced errors in the third set, allowing Japan to race to a 9-3 lead before taking the set 25-16. In the fourth, China fought back from a 7-3 deficit, with outside hitter Wang Bin leading the offense as the host moved ahead 20-19.
However, Japan proved more composed in the closing stages, capitalizing on several of China's errors to secure a 25-23 victory and advance to its third VNL semifinal.
Ran Takahashi was the best scorer of the match with a total of 21 points, including two aces and two kill blocks. "We had to win, and that was the most important thing. But we had many mistakes and many problems, which we have to improve for the next match," he said.
Wang, who led China with 19 points, said the team had made steady progress throughout the season, particularly in defense and ball control. "It's a pity. We were just one step away," he said.
According to the rules, as the lowest-ranked team entering the Finals, host China finished eighth overall.
"We were very good at the beginning, right? But we lost because of our mistakes," China head coach Vital Heynen said after the match.
"Our players are playing in the Chinese league, and we have to keep building and building and building. We have to find a way to get them to a higher level during the season. I find that a bit of a pity, but maybe it's something I have to live with," he added.
Looking ahead, Heynen said he would stay in Ningbo to watch the remaining matches, while the Chinese squad would take a short break this week.
In another quarterfinal on Wednesday, Slovenia defeated Türkiye 3-0 (25-21, 35-33, 39-37) to reach its third consecutive VNL semifinal. ■
