The Challenger Cup, which will determine the sole ticket for the 2025 Nations League, has begun in the Chinese city of Linyi.

Hosts China decisively defeated Mexico in the quarterfinals - 3:0. The top scorer in the match was the player from Russia's Belogorye, Jinyin Zhang, who scored 19 points. He converted 17 out of 29 attacks (59%), made one ace and one block.

The Belgians took a 2:0 lead in the match against Croatia but brought the encounter to a tie-break. In it, Belgium snatched victory with a score of 15:13. The top scorer in the match was Belgian international Seppe Rotty, who scored 22 points with 56% attack efficiency.

China will play in the semifinals against the winner of the Egypt – Qatar match, while Belgium will face the stronger team from the Ukraine – Chile pairing.

Of the participants in the current Challenger Cup, only China has experience in the Nations League. Belgium, Croatia, and Mexico are playing in the Challenger Cup for the first time. Last year, Turkey won the trophy and a ticket to the Nations League, defeating Qatar in the final (3:2). However, the Turks finished last in this year's edition of the Nations League.

Challenger Cup. 1/4 finals

July 4, Thursday

China – Mexico – 3:0 (25:23, 25:17, 25:23)

Zhang (19), Wang (13), Peng (7) – Milanthoni (11), Rodriguez (8), Fuentes (8)

Belgium – Croatia – 3:2 (25:20, 25:18, 22:25, 15:25, 15:13)

Rotty (24), Reggers (18), Perrin (15) – Dirlic (23), Zeljkovic (15), Sestan (14)

July 5, Friday

Egypt – Qatar

Ukraine – Chile

PHOTO:volleyballworld.com