Zhu Ting leads China to first win in Volleyball Nations League finals

NANJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Superstar Zhu Ting's match-high 36 points awarded China the first win in the 2018 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League finals on Wednesday, beating the Netherlands 3-1 (20-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-18).

The 2016 Olympic MVP, who missed some preliminary matches, brought local fans to wildest screaming with her fierce attack, included 29 kills from 62 attempts, along with 5 huge blocks.

Middle blocker Yuan Xinyue and Gong Xiangyu scored 11 and 10 points apiece for China.

The Netherlands had a bright start, hoping to repeat their win over China on June 13, but had no answer to Zhu's irresistible form.

China's head coach Lang Ping said the team overcame the difficulties on reception in the first set to win the match.

"Every match is not an easy task but a good opportunity to improve ourselves," Lang said.

China will have a day off before facing the strong Brazil on Friday.