China ranks 8th after Ankara leg

The Chinese women's volleyball team has completed all matches in the Ankara leg of the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League in Turkey, finishing with 2 wins and 2 losses, and currently ranking 8th on the standings with an overall record of 5 wins and 3 losses. In this leg, China first came from behind to defeat Germany in their opening match and then swept France with ease. However, in the last two rounds, facing two of the world’s top teams, Brazil and Turkey, the Chinese team encountered significant challenges on the court.

Heading into the second leg, the main structure of the Chinese roster remained largely unchanged, continuing the strategy of combining experienced veterans with young players. Compared to the previous roster, the squad was trimmed for the Turkey leg, with Zhu Xingchen and Jin Jiabao not making the cut. China once again followed the pattern of starting strong but declining later, as seen in the Nanjing leg, and earned a total of 14 points over the two legs, ranking 8th among the 18 participating teams. In terms of world ranking, after losing to Turkey, China lost 3.84 ranking points, dropping to 334.29 points and sliding to 7th in the world, relinquishing its position as Asia’s top team.

In the first match, the Chinese women’s team faced Germany, starting with primary attackers Zhuang Yushan and Li Chenxuan, middle blockers Wang Aoqian and Guo Zhongnan, opposite hitter Tang Xin, setter Zhang Zixuan, and libero Wang Mengjie. China quickly found their rhythm to take the lead in the first set but failed to capitalize on critical points at the end and lost the set. The team then adjusted its lineup, sending in veterans Wang Yuanyuan and Gong Xiangyu. In a do-or-die fourth set, the Chinese team's form was fully ignited, and Zhuang Yushan’s outstanding performance directly helped China pull off a dramatic comeback. Zhuang made 57 attacks with 23 kills, 3 blocks, and 1 ace, totaling a match-high 27 points and delivering an outstanding performance.

In the second match against France, China stuck with its previous starting lineup, focusing on strong defense and counterattacks from the beginning to seize the advantage. After winning the first set 25-18, both teams played a close second set. At a critical moment, Dong Yuhan’s powerful serve made the difference, scoring consecutive points and allowing China to take the set 25-17. In the third set, China initially trailed 10-15 but responded actively with tactical adjustments and an 8-0 scoring run, ultimately winning 25-19 to close out the match.

On June 20, China faced its toughest opponent so far, Brazil, ranked No. 2 in the world and unbeaten in the first six rounds. Both teams quickly settled into the match, with the score tied at 24-all in the opening set before China’s attacks were blocked, narrowly losing 24-26. Brazil then ramped up the pressure with strong serves, disrupting China’s first passes and gradually eroding their ability to score. Although Wang Yuanyuan’s serves helped China stabilize in the third set, passing issues persisted in the fourth, leading to a 15-25 loss and a 1-3 defeat overall, ending China’s winning streak.

In the final match, China once again faced an undefeated team—Turkey. Early in the match, China appeared tense, with reception issues and Turkey’s quick attacks and Vargas’s powerful spiking putting China on the back foot, resulting in a loss in the opening set. In the second set, China again fell behind midway but rallied at the end thanks to consecutive points from Gong Xiangyu and Dong Yuhan to complete a comeback. China took an 8-2 lead at the start of the third set and carried the momentum to the end to go up 2-1. However, in the next two sets, the team could not maintain its momentum or withstand Vargas’s dominance, ultimately losing 2-3 in a reverse sweep. Four Chinese attackers scored double digits in this match, with veteran substitute Gong Xiangyu leading the team with 22 points. Vargas claimed the match MVP honors with 36 points.

Looking back at the four matches in the Turkey leg, the young Chinese women’s team displayed its own strengths but also showed weaknesses. Notably, the team’s ability to adjust under adversity improved, and their psychological performance in crucial moments was better than in the Nanjing leg. Tactically, the strategy of using serving to drive blocking and defense achieved initial success, particularly in the serving rotations of Dong Yuhan and Wang Yuanyuan. Veterans Gong Xiangyu, Wang Yuanyuan, and Wang Mengjie also made significant contributions, whether it was improved reception quality with Gong Xiangyu on the court, Wang Yuanyuan’s blocking and quick attacks, or Wang Mengjie’s defensive support—all providing solid assurance for overcoming challenging situations. Nonetheless, the team still needs to further hone its first pass, blocking, and attacking diversity in future matches.