China trounces Cuba to win int'l women's volleyball tournament

China trounces Cuba to win int'l women's volleyball tournament

LUOHE, Henan Province, May 31 -- Beijing Olympic bronze medallist China trounced traditional powerhouse Cuba 25-17, 25-21 and 25-15 to win the 2009 China International Women's Volleyball Tournament here on Sunday.

China's Li Juan (R) spikes the ball during a match between China and Cuba at the 2009 Chinese Women's Volleyball Tournament in Luohe, a city of central China's Henan Province, May 31, 2009. China won 3-0, and got the champion of the tournament with all victories.

The Chinese women were crowned in their first competition under the guidance of Cai Bin, who took the helm of the national team in March, with three straight wins in the four-team round robin tournament.

"I am very happy that our team is in good rhythm and spirit. Hopefully we can keep improving," said the 42-year-old Cai, former head coach of the Chinese national youth team.

"Despite the victory, I think we should keep working on our receiving and combination," he added.

Xue Ming, the 1.93-meter star blocker, led Chinese scorers for the third game in a row after notching 14 points while Wang Yimei, who changed her position from outside hitter to opposite, added 13 points.

China's Wang Yimei spikes the ball during a match between China and Cuba at the 2009 Chinese Women's Volleyball Tournament in Luohe, a city of central China's Henan Province, May 31, 2009. China won 3-0, and got the champion of the tournament with all victories.

"Wang played better and better in her new position, and I will stick to the tactic of making her faster in attack," Cai said.

With the retirement of Yumilka Ruiz, Zoila Barros, Daimi Ramirez, the young Cuban team found it hard to tear open the solid defense led by Xue Ming and the 1.89-meter Ma Yunwen with Giselle Silva emerging as its top scorer with just eight points.

The only opportunity for Cuba came in the second set when it overtook the lead with a 14-5 run to make it 18-15. However, the Chinese women went ahead again with an 8-1 surge thanks to consecutive Cuban errors.

China reaped a total of 25 points from Cuba's mistakes in the 66- minute match.

Earlier on Sunday, Turkey beat the Dominican Republic 3-0 to finish third.

The four teams will play another round robin tournament in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province from Wednesday to Friday.

China's Li Juan (L) and Zhang Xian save the ball during a match between China and Cuba at the 2009 Chinese Women's Volleyball Tournament in Luohe, a city of central China's Henan Province, May 31, 2009. China won 3-0, and got the champion of the tournament with all victories.

China's Ma Yunwen spikes the ball during a match between China and Cuba at the 2009 Chinese Women's Volleyball Tournament in Luohe, a city of central China's Henan Province, May 31, 2009. China won 3-0, and got the champion of the tournament with all victories.

Chinese team members jubilate after winning over Cuba during a match at the 2009 Chinese Women's Volleyball Tournament in Luohe, a city of central China's Henan Province, May 31, 2009. China won 3-0, and got the champion of the tournament with all victories.

Chinese team members hold flowers in the awarding ceremony after winning over Cuba during a match at the 2009 Chinese Women's Volleyball Tournament in Luohe, a city of central China's Henan Province, May 31, 2009. China beat Cuba 3-0, and got the champion of the tournament with all victories.
(Xinhua)