NAGOYA, Japan, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) - China stayed unbeaten following a 25-20, 25-18, 25-20 win over Russia at the 2017 FIVB Women's World Grand Champions Cup here on Saturday.
Zhang Changning garnered the game high 16 points, including 14 spikes, a block and an ace. Zhu Ting, Zeng Chunlei and Yuan Xinyue also scored double digits. Kseniia Parubets led Russia with 11 points.
"Russia is a traditional strong team. We have made a lot of preparations before the game," said China coach An Jiajie.
"Our players adjusted well and were careful in blocking and reception when Russia frequently changed their players. Our attacks also fared well," An added.
Russia coach Vladimir Kuziutkin explained that the frequent substitutions were aimed at "giving young players more chances to learn precious experience from playing China."
"As head coach, I have watched all the games, and my impression is that China is best prepared for the tournament. Chinese players all have high potentials. I'm grateful that they sent their major players in today's game," said Kuziutkin.
"China is a very well organized team. They have good reception, and their setters organize good attacks," said Kosianenko, captain of the Russian team, adding that her team did all they could to keep challenging but the results were disappointing.
So far, with four victories in a row, China holds the first place among the six teams competing for the tournament.
On Sunday, China is to play host Japan.
