China show their might, reclaim world U-18 title
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China's women's junior teams are indomitable at the world level in volleyball. After their under-20 team landed the world title two months ago, it was the turn of the under-18 girls to stamp their domination. In the Girls' Under-18 World Volleyball Champi
It was a record fourth gold medal for China in their ninth participation in this age category. They won the title in 2001, 2003 and 2007. In the previous edition in Turkey two years ago, China stormed their way into the final, only going down to the hosts in a hard-fought match.
On the other hand, the silver medal for USA is the best ever performance by the side in eight attempts at the world meet. Their best show before was fourth positions in 2003 and 2005.
Former three-time world champions Brazil finished third after outclassing dark horses Peru 3-0 (25-29, 25-12 25-23 25-12), while Japan finished fifth after a thrilling five setter (14-25 23-25 25-20 25-15 15-13) against Serbia. Poland claimed seventh with a 3-1 (25-11, 19- 25, 25-16 25-14) win in their play-off against Dominican Republic.
Elsewhere, title-holders Turkey outclassed Italy 3-2 (25-22 25-21 20-25 18-25 15-12) to take the ninth position, Taiwan toppled Greece 3-1 (25-23 25-18 14-25 25-22) to return with the 11th place, and Slovenia brushed off Puerto Rico 3-1 (25-17 27-25 24-2, 26-24) to claim the 13th position.
Egypt stunned Thailand in the tie-breaker 3-2 (20-25 25-21 25-20 18-25 15-8) to avenge their loss to the hosts in the group stages to win 15th place. The Thai girls performed below par to leave Liptapanlop Hall with their heads low in disappointment.
At the previous world meet in Turkey two years ago, Thailand thrashed Egypt in straight sets without much trouble in the 13th-14th play-off match to end in 13th place.
Finishing from 17th to 20th places were Argentina, Mexico, Tunisia and Algeria.
After the final, Somporn Chaibangyang, president of the Thailand Volleyball Association, along with the FIVB Control Committee headed by Theofanis Tsiokris, presented individual awards to the best players.
