Montreux, Switzerland, June 1, 2016- The second game of the second day at Pierrier Sports Hall in Montreux presented China and Turkey giants from Pool A. Last year’s crowned champions ‘Sultans of the Net- Turkey’ lost yesterday’s game against Belgium and China won their first game of the tournament against young Brazil. The action packed game saw great long rallies and incredible players fighting for victory. Turkey unwired China’s defence and fought through the game winning 3-1 (21-25, 25- 15, 19- 25 and 15 -25). China 1- 3 Turkey.
Last year’s crowned Montreux Volley Masters 2015 champions Turkey hit the court to battle to hold their title as they lost their first match against Belgium yesterday. The reigning champions of FIVB World Cup 2015 China won their match against young Brazil yesterday.
The first set started off with a point to Turkey knowing that they will battle hard-core against The Great Wall of China. China tried to dominate the first part of the set but Turkey was stubborn and kept a close-eye of their opponents not allowing a gap CHI 8- 8 TUR. The set continued with great rallies as the crowd enjoyed and cheered on. Turkey made a full recovery towards mid set with excellent spike points CHI 13- 17 TUR. Both teams portrayed similar strength but not dominating enough to take full lead CHI 20-20 TUR. Turkey took on full lead with Polen, Hande and Kubra’s spikes and blocks at the end of the set, which resulted a shock for China. Turkey won 25-21.
The second set started off with a confident China eager to win the set. As the second set continued, Turkey young player Hande Baladin’s attacks and defence wasn’t enough as China dominated from mid set onwards. China blocks proved too hard for Turkey to handle on second set which resulted China winning 25-15.
The beginning of the third set saw long rallies as each team attempted to dominate, the scores were a tie and both teams fought recklessly 5-5. The ambience of the game was great as the crowd hosted both fans from China and Turkey causing loud cheering. Towards mid set, China took their second timeout early as Turkey took lead with excellent attacks from Hande Baladin and Polen Uslupehlivan. Turkey won the set 25-19 when China player Yunlu Wang served out.
Both teams showed an outstanding performance, the overall flow of the game was exceptional. The crowd enjoyed the fast paced quality of the game and experienced relentless rallies and action. Turkey dominated the last set but performed outstanding action as the volleyball fans enjoyed the overall show. Fatma Yildirim’s final spike won Turkey a match point including their first win against rivals China. Young Hande Baladin from Turkey and Gong Xiangyu became the most scorers both contributed 20 points for their National teams.