TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's women's volleyball team staged a dramatic comeback Tuesday (July 22), defeating China 3-2 in the 5th-8th place ranking match at the World University Games in Rhein-Ruhr, Germany. Chang Yi-Chi (張稦豈) spearheaded the victory with an impressive 29 points, helping her team overcome an initial two-set deficit. The triumph marked a stunning reversal of fortune for Taiwan against their regional rivals.
Taiwan struggled early, falling behind 23-25 and 22-25 in the opening two sets before mounting their remarkable comeback. The team rallied to capture the next three sets with scores of 25-19, 25-23, and 15-9. This victory represents Taiwan's first triumph over China in the World University Games since their 3-0 sweep in Kazan in 2013, with Taiwan now facing Poland at 8 p.m. for the 5th place title.
Taiwan maintained high spirits despite their 0-3 quarterfinal loss to Japan, successfully reversing their fortune against China in this crucial ranking match. The team gained crucial momentum mid-game in the third set before capitalizing on a decisive 3-1 run in the fourth set. Liu Shuang-Ling's (劉雙菱) powerful spike clinched the fourth set for Taiwan, setting up the dramatic final frame.
Taiwan overcame a 6-7 deficit in the decisive fifth set with a commanding 9-2 surge to seal their historic victory. The triumph came against a formidable Chinese team that ranks 5th in U19, 1st in U21, and 4th in adult categories according to the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). Chang Yi-Chi's stellar performance featured 26 spike points, 2 blocks, and 1 service ace throughout the match.
