China beat Cameroon 3-0 for 2nd win at women’s volleyball WC

Yokohama (Japan), Sep 15 (IANS) Powerhouse China defeated Cameroon 25-18, 25-14, 25-19 to register a 2-0 record at the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup here on Sunday.

Compared with the opener, the defending champions fielded a completely different starting line-up, which featured opposite hitter Zeng Chunlei, wing spikers Li Yingying and Liu Xiaotong, middle blockers Wang Yuanyuan and Zheng Yixin, setter Yao Di and libero Lin Li, reports Xinhua news agency.

Both sides were troubled by errors in the first set, especially on the serve. The score seesawed until Liu Xiaotong's three aces helped China establish a 19-15 lead and carried on the momentum to claim the first set 25-18.

China took varied attacking approaches in the set targeting the weakness of Cameroon's defense and earn the set point at 24-14 following a 9-2 run. Although captain Christelle Tchoudjang managed to save two of the set points with her spike, the gap was too large to close as Zeng Chunlei fired to put China two sets ahead.

The African champion rallied back in the third set, leading 7-1. Shaking off a sluggish start after being 4-11 down, China initiated a 6-0 run and headed into the second technical break leading 16-15. The game turned gruelling thereafter, but China was sharper in spikers after 19-19 with Li Yingying scoring three points in a 5-0 sprint.

Despite the defeat, Cameroon coach Jean Rene Akono Bekono was happy to see his team improving on their thrashing defeat to Russia in the opener.

China will seek a third consecutive win against its old rival Russia on Monday while Cameroon taking on the Dominican Republic.