TAICANG, East China, Sept. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- World Cup and Olympic dual champion China crowned at the 2005 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship by beating Kazakhstan 3-0 here on Thursday.

    China, who won the title at 1979 and all since 1987, have been on the top of the Asian podium for the eleventh time.

    China launched a brilliant attacking wave from the start of the first set with a 7-0 lead and extended the winning momentum to take the opener 25-18.

    China had five aces, including Zhang Ping's three, in the first set.

    Kazakhstan surged back strongly in the second set to claim 5-3 lead, but China gradually caught the short and ran off four straight points to conclude a 7-2 run that pushed China up at 20-13.

    With Zhang Ping's powerful spike, China finished the second set 25-15 to made it two to nil.

    Leading at 19-7 in the third set, China put on all substitutes.

    But Kazakhstan then fought hard to stay in the game within a 7-1 run. Yelena Pavlova's attackings from right side destroyed the Chinese defense to help her side pull it back at 17-24.

    However, a spiking of Ma Yuwen, a green hand of the Chinese team,secured set win and the title for China.

    Early on Thursday, Japan defeated South Korea 3-0 to claim the bronze medal of the tournament. Enditem ¡¡