China defeats Japan, ends winless streak in FIVB Grand Prix final round

(BEIJING, June 11) -- China finally broke its final round slump in the FIVB Grand Prix, defeating the hosts from Japan 25-17, 28-30, 25-15, 25-21 on Saturday in Yokohama. Japan and China are both 1-3 with one day of competition left.

Chinese player Zhao Ruirui was the top scorer of the match with 27 points, 13 more than the second highest scorer on the team, Wang Yimei. "Since she came to Japan, Zhao has not been in good form, and I don't know what I can do about it," said Chinese head coach Chen Zhonghe. "But today she played very well, her best level. She always plays well against Japan."

Kurihari Megumi led the Japanese team with 22 points but was disappointed in the team's overall performance. "We had a lot of mistakes today, so I could not play my best when we had to hold on during the match," she said. "I have to reflect on today's game in our preparations for tomorrow."

Japan will face their toughest opponent on Sunday as they meet Brazil in the final match of the Grand Prix. Brazil is at the top of the standings with a perfect 4-0 record and has only dropped one set in the final round. The Chinese will take on the USA on Sunday in the first match of the day.