Korea remain volleyball kings

Korea's precise blocking and thunderous attacks gave them an early 8-6 lead into the first technical timeout of the first set, and they never let their advantage slip as China attempted to respond but failed with poor serves that cost crucial points.

Once again, Korea started the second set brightly and went ahead with an early three point lead. But China's Shen Qiong lifted his team with a number of unstoppable spikes to level the scores at 16-16 and, with the set became increasingly intense, Tang Miao and Shin Jin-Sik exchanged some powerful attacks with the Chinese coming out on top.

China's service errors in the third set allowed Korea to lead by five points. Zhou Jianan, the Chinese coach, attempted to break Korea's tempo and made three substitutions - but the tactic didn't work and Korea comfortably took the set to require one more for victory.

With an impressive defence, repelling constant Chinese attacks through superb digging, Korea kept their winning momentum going in the fourth set, while China's defence was too vulnerable - losing most of their points on reception errors - and leaving their opponents the chance to wrap up a comfortable victory.

"After the 2006 World Championship, we analysed the Chinese team and we focused on their setter," said Korea's Lee Sun Kyu after the match as he analysed his team's victory. "As we defended their quick attacks, they were dejected and they substituted their setter.

"After the Chinese team changed their first setter, they led in the second set. We lost because we couldn't adapt to the new setter's strategy of setting high balls, compared to the first setter who gave quick sets.

"I am grateful to all my team mates and my coach. Our coach focused on the Asian Games only for this year. Also, our federation, the Korean Volleyball Association, gave us a lot of support. I also appreciate the fans who came all the way from Korea - their support made us more powerful."

Meanwhile, China's coach Jianan said: "In general, Korea were very strong in their blocking, defence and their attack. Their blocking and defence obstructed our offence and that was why we lost. Korea played very well today and they showcased top class standard. This gave me so much pressure and we made mistakes from that.

"I'm very happy with their [the team's] effort, however not with their performance. As a coach, I shouldn't feel satisfied about their performance because we need the players to improve continuously. Overall, we are still lacking in skills."

15th Asian Games, Doha 2006