China started its participation in the Asian Women's Championship in Tianjin in an undisputed manner. The hosts crushed Iraq 3:0 (25:4, 25:6, 25:6), allowing their opponent to score only 16 points in the entire match.
The top scorer for China was Zhuang Yushan with 13 points – 8 from attack, 4 aces, and 1 block. Tan Xin added 12. For Iraq, Doreem Shamou finished with 6 points. The victory brought only 0.59 points for China in the world ranking due to the huge difference in the positions of the two teams.
In Group B, Indonesia caused an upset after defeating Kazakhstan 3:0 (25:22, 25:22, 25:23). Arsella Purnama was the top scorer with 18 points, Ersandrina Devega added 15, and Mediol Yuki – 13. For Kazakhstan, Tatyana Nikitina scored 10 points. The result had a serious impact on the world ranking – Indonesia gained 12.55 points and climbed 8 positions, while Kazakhstan lost the same amount and dropped 4 places.
Korea also started with a victory, prevailing over Vietnam 3:1 (25:20, 22:25, 25:21, 25:17) in Group C. Captain Kang So-hwi led the Koreans with 20 points – 15 from attack, 3 blocks, and 2 aces. Tran Thi Thanh Thuy was the top scorer for Vietnam with 18 points. The success brought Korea 6.96 points for the world ranking and a climb of 3 positions.
The Asian Championship is of particular importance, as the champion will earn a direct quota for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, and three spots for the 2027 World Cup are also distributed in the tournament.
In the first match of the August 23 program, Kazakhstan already defeated Australia 3:0 (25:21, 25:18, 25:21). Later today, two more matches are scheduled – Chinese Taipei vs. Iraq at 09:00 and Japan vs. Korea at 13:30 Bulgarian time.
The winners and runners-up from the three groups, as well as the two best third-placed teams, qualify for the knockout phase.