China's volleyball team is now a six-time Montreaux champ. (Photo : Reuters)
China was hailed supreme in the recently held Montreux Volley Masters finals in Montreux, Switzerland, after defeating Thailand with an impressive 3-0 finish (25-14, 25-20, 25-23) last Sunday, the official website of Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) reported.
During Sunday's game, the Olympic-bound Chinese team proved that they are "too good for Montreux debutants and crowd favorite, Thailand," the article said.
It was the sixth time that China clinched the Montreux crown after previously bagging the championship tilt in 2010, 2007, 2003, 2001 and 1990.
The Montreux Volley Masters competition is currently at its 31st season.
According to FIVB, "both teams showcased their excellent abilities, handling difficult receptions and landing precise shots."
However, it was the team players' height that gave China an edge. Taking full advantage of the height difference, the Chinese team was able to give excellent blocks, countering Thai's attacks.
Meanwhile, with her powerful spikes and striking attacks, Chinese captain Ruoqi Hui was declared as the game's best scorer and most valuable player after giving 15 points for the team.
Other notable players in the team include Wei Qiuyue, Zhang Xiaoya, Yang Jungjing and Liu Xiaotong.
China, who took the silver medal in the 2014 World Championship, is also heading to Rio de Janeiro for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Thailand is currently the world's no. 13 and is also a bronze medalist in the 2015 Asian Championship. They also bagged the third place during the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, back in 2014.
The Thai squad is led by superstar spiker Pleumjit Thinkaow and renowned attacker Ajcharaporn Kongyot.
Avid fans from both team filled the sports hall and eagerly witnessed the fast-paced volleyball match.
The Montreux match served as a perfect warm-up for the Chinese team as they are set to compete for the start of FIVB Volleywood World Grand Prix Group 1 battle. Pool A1 also includes Thailand, Germany and the U.S.A.
According to FIVB's website, the two Asian volleyball powerhouses are slated to battle again on Friday in Ningbo.
