China sweeps Dominican Republic to advance in women's world volleyball competition

China swept the Dominican Republic in straight sets 25-15, 25-21, 25-17 on Wednesday to complete the preliminary stage undefeated at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship.

Chinese head coach Zhao Yong started outside hitter Wu Mengjie in place of Li Yingying, and the match to determine the Pool F winner went China's way after the score was tied at 10-10 in the first set. With solid blocks, the Chinese side stifled the Dominican offense and pulled away to win 25-15.

The Dominican Republic, which had not dropped a set in its previous two matches, tried to fight back but struggled to find its rhythm against China's well-prepared defense. Outscoring their opponents 13-6 in blocks, China went on to take the next two sets 25-21 and 25-17 for a straight-set victory.

Players of China gesture during the Preliminary Phase Pool F match between China and the Dominican Republic at the Volleyball Women's World Championship in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Aug. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

"We all knew this match would decide the winner of the group, so the players were fully motivated," Zhao said after the match. "I think the players executed the coach's instructions very well on the court. Our blocking, defense, serving and attacking were all solid today, and each part of the game supported and complemented the others, which led to this result."

China is set to take on Pool C runners-up France in the round of 16, sending the Dominican Republic to deal with the mighty Brazil.

"Any team that makes it to the last 16 has strong ability and a high level of play," Zhao added. "We need to focus on our own performance, showing our fighting spirit as well as our technical and tactical strengths on the court."

The 16 qualified teams will gather in Bangkok for the knockout stage, scheduled to start on Friday. 

(Xinhua)