September22September 22, 2026

NAGOYA, Japan – It’s a perfect 10 for mighty China.

The Chinese extended their reign to 10 consecutive editions by beating the host nation, Japan, 25-19, 25-20, 25-23, in the gold medal match at the 20^th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Komaki’s Park Arena.

After taking full control of the first two sets, the Chinese found themselves trailing the Japanese 2-10 in the third, much to the delight of the home crowd.

But the Chinese regrouped, and with outside hitter Mengjie Wu firing howitzers of shots, they erased the deficit and tied the count at 22-all.

Then it was all over for Japan as the 6-foot-3 continued her assault to help China wrap up the win after one hour and 23 minutes. The match was witnessed b high-ranking officials, including AVC President Ramon “Tatz” Suzara.

In a fitting follow-up to her 29 points in their vengeful win against Thailand in the semis, Wu erupted for 26 points on 23 attacks, 2 aces and a towering block.

She was backstopped by Yushan Zhuang and middle blocker Zhongnan Guo who combined for 20 points.

Yoshino Sato and Miku Akimoto led Japan with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Thailand, which retained its AVC Cup Continental Cup by beating China in five riveting sets in Tianjin, China las month, beat South Korea, 25-20, 25-19, 25-23, in their duel for the bronze medal.

The win enabled Thailand to redeem itself after losing to China in the semis – also in five sets.

Pimpichaya Kokram led Thailand’s well-balanced attack by firing 15 points on attacks and three blocks. Thatdao Nuekjang and Kaewkalaya Kamulthalak provided the additional firepower, listing 12 points each – thanks to the brilliant quarterbacking of setter Pornpun Guedpard. She had 14 excellent sets.

Outside hitter Sohwi Kang paced Korea with 10 points.

Chinese-Taipei finished fifth after beating Indonesia,25,20, 25-20, 25-11, while Vietnam took the No. 7 position with a 25-21, 25-19, 25-15 victory Kazakhstan.

Indonesia, thus settled for sixth place, while Kazakhstan placed eighth.

The Philippines survived some precarious moments in the third frame to complete a 25-21, 25-9, 30-28 victory over Hong Kong, and finish 9^th overall. Bella Belen and Angel Canino led Alas Pilipinas by firing 18 and 17 points, respectively.

Kyrgyzstan ended its campaign on a winning note after overpowering Qatar, 25-13, 25-18, 25-3, to place 13^th place overall.

Qatar, young and so young, finished dead last in the 14-country field, but vowed to come back strong the next time.