China defeats Korea in volleyball final

The South Korean women’s national volleyball team was second after failing to host China 0-3 in the final match of the Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship in Tianjin on Thursday.

Korea, the world No. 10, played hard in every set, putting the No.3 team into a corner, but had to taste the bitterness of defeat, losing 21-25, 21-25, 21-25.

“Though we lost to China, I think we had a competent result against a team with better physical shape,” coach Lee Jung-chul said. “Returning to home soil, I will put more emphasis on teamwork.”

Team captain Kim Yeon-koung said, “I feel regretful about the defeat, but am also satisfied with the result as our original goal in this championship was to advance to the final match.”

It was China’s 13th title since the championship began in 1975. Korea has yet to win a title.

Korea advanced to the final after defeating Chinese Taipei 3-1 (25-16, 25-13, 23-25, 25-15) on Wednesday.