China's national team achieved its first success in this year's Men's Volleyball Nations League. In their last match of the first week in Linyi, the proteges of Belgian specialist Vital Heynen defeated Cuba with a 3:0(25:21,25:19,25:23) win.
The success allowed the Chinese to climb to 11th place in the VNL temporary standings, and also brought significant progress in the world rankings. After the victory, China moved up seven positions and now occupies 24th place in the world ranking.
For Cuba, the defeat proved painful from a ranking perspective. The Caribbean team lost three positions and is now 17th in the world ranking.
Statistics showed a slight superiority of the hosts in key elements. China finished with 41 attack points against 38 for Cuba, scored 7 aces against 3, and benefited from 21 opponent errors against 14 for the Cubans. Cuba had an advantage in blocking with 8 points against 6.
The Chinese were also better in defense, recording 30 saved balls in defense against 27 for Cuba. They outperformed their opponent in reception (66 against 56), as well as in setting (76 against 72).
The most effective player for China was Wen Z. H. with 13 points, while Wang B. added another 11 points.
For Cuba, Gonzalez scored the most points - 13, while Fiel finished with 9 points.

photo:volleyballworld.com