Tianjin, China, October 11, 2013 - The preliminary round of the men’s volleyball came to an end here Friday after Japan and Chinese Taipei defeated Hong Kong and Korea at the East Asian Games.
In Friday's action, Japan repelled an early challenge from Hong Kong to run away with straight-set victory 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-16) against their opponents, while Chinese Taipei cruised past Korea 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-15) without much trouble.
In Saturday’s semi-finals, Chinese Taipei will challenge Korea and Japan will meet China.
Japan vs. Hong Kong 3-0
Japan got off to a smooth start with a comfortable 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-16) victory over Hong Kong in just one hour. Japan’s commanding control and consistency in attack, block and serve outclassed the perplexed Hong Kong side. The Japanese had nine blocks and five ace serves against one block from Hong Kong. In attacking Japan held a 33-25 advantage, and also with fewer errors 17-28.
Japan seemed ready to blow Hong Kong away when Japan gained an early lead at 8-4 in the first set and extended the advantage to 16-8 and 21-12 behind the strong spiking and blocking from big hitter of Japan Fushimi Yamato. With the Japanese overpowering at the net, Japan won the set 25-13.
Poor reception and attacking of Hong Kong caused them dear in the second set when Japan took command to lead with a wide margin 8-5, 16-9, 24-14 before Fushimi Yamato blocked a thundering spiking by Chan Alex Chi Wai, who was the best scorer for Hong Kong with 12 points, andJapan snatched the comfortable set 25-14.
Hong Kong kept things close early in the third set and they even led at 8-7 and were within three points of Japan at the second timeout. Two thumping spikes by Yamada Shuzo, two service aces, and a brilliant block by Fushimi Shuzo stretched the gap to eight points at 24-16 before a serving error handing the set to their rivals 25-16.
Chinese Taipei vs. Korea 3-0
Formidable Chinese Taipei, the only team unbeaten in the preliminary round, proved too strong for the Korean team as they completelydemolished Korea in one-sided contest 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-15.)
Immediately after the match went into action, Chinese Taipei looked determined and kept Korea at bay as they were more defensively and offensively sound team that limited Korea to operate their plays at the minimum.
 |
| Huang Chien Feng, best scorer of Chinese Taipei, spike against blocking from Park Daeung (7) and Ahn Woojae |
The fast offence of the Chinese Taipei side and their blockings were keys for the victory, as they were able to neutralize the power of Korea. Huang Chien Feng and Wang Ming Chun were the main offensive weapons for Chinese Taipei with 20 and 12 points, respectively. Chinese Taipei's blocking game also produced 15 points, six from Chuang Shao Chien, five from Huang and three from Wang.
Chinese Taipei made a bright start to the opening set, taking a 8-2 and 16-8 in the two technical time-outs. Then Huang, Tai Chia and Wang attacked and blocked to help the Chinese Taipei move 22-14 in front before Huang produced a solo blocking to close the set at 25-14.
The situation did not change at all in the second and third set. Chinese Taipei quickly took a big lead behind some fierce spikes. Huang shone again in the second set and third set, helping his team to win easily at 25-17 and 25-15.
from (fivb.org)
