China beats Puerto Rico in straight sets at women's volleyball worlds

Players of China pose for photos after the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and Puerto Rico at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

ROTTERDAM, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- China prevailed against Puerto Rico at the FIVB World Championship on Wednesday, defeating the Caribbean side in straight sets 25-15, 25-19, 25-21, to claim its fifth win at the tournament.

Puerto Rico saved two match points in the third set, but a service error from middle blocker Neira Ortiz handed the win to China.

Outside hitter Li Yingying had match-high 15 points, with opposite Gong Xiangyu adding 13. For Puerto Rico, opposite Brittany Abercrombie was the only player to hit double digits, finishing with 12 points.

The victory lifts China to second place in Pool E, having collected 15 points with a 5-1 win-loss record. In earlier action at the Ahoy Stadium, Italy came from one set down to beat Japan 20-25, 25-20, 25-14, 25-15 to strengthen its grip on the top spot in the pool.

The Nations League champions lead the pool with 19 points, winning six matches from seven while Japan rank third, level with China on points but separated by set ratio. Brazil stays fourth with 14 points. The top four teams in the pool will secure places in the quarterfinals.