TIANJIN, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- China continued its perfect run at 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship here on Friday as it dominated Vietnam in straight sets to set up a rematch against Iran in the semifinals.
The host moved into the quarterfinals by winning Group A without dropping a set, while Vietnam advanced to the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-place finishers.
Holding an overall edge over Vietnam, China built a 12-9 lead before pulling away with a 7-0 surge and holding on to take the first set 25-15.
Vietnam stepped up the pressure in the following set and forced China to call time-out twice in quick succession. Late in the set, China's poor reception allowed the away side to draw level at 21-21. But China kept its composure to pull off a 25-22 win.
The third set presented a stark contrast, falling entirely into China's rhythm as the side quickly sealed a 25-13 win.
China outspiked Vietnam 56-32 and produced seven aces, compared to two for Vietnam. Zhuang Yushan and Wu Mengjie each claimed a game-high 18 points for China.
In an early quarterfinal on Friday, Iran came from behind to beat Indonesia 3-1.
China had eased past Iran in the group stage, but middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan cautioned her teammates to keep on their toes.
"Although we have beaten Iran before, we can't underestimate our opponents. We need to review that group stage match and seek an improved performance in the semifinals. We are not just competing against the opposition. Above all, we are competing against ourselves."
In Sunday's other semifinal match, Japan will take on Thailand. ■
