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Article wrote by Danilo from Ningbo for Volleytimes, please respect his job.
Japan kept its perfect Volleyball Nations League campaign alive by defeating hosts China 3-1 (23:25, 25:23, 25:16, 25:23) to secure a place in the semifinals, where an intriguing showdown with Slovenia now awaits.
Backed by a passionate home crowd of 5,763 spectators in Ningbo, China produced a spirited performance but ultimately fell after two hours and five minutes of high-intensity volleyball.
The hosts made the stronger start, claiming the opening set 25-23 and raising hopes of a major upset.
Japan, however, responded with the composure and consistency that have defined its tournament so far.
The Asian powerhouse gradually took control of the match, dominating the middle stages before closing out the fourth set to remain unbeaten in the competition.
Outside hitter Ran Takahashi once again led Japan’s offense, finishing as the match’s top scorer with 21 points to his name, well supported by Larry and Yuji Nishida, who each contributed 13 points, while Shoma Tomita added 10. Team captain Yuki Ishikawa, who featured only in the opening two sets, finished with five points and a 42% attacking efficiency.
Japan’s overall team performance highlighted why it has been one of the most complete sides of this year’s VNL. The Japanese recorded an impressive 14 winning blocks, outscored China at the net, attacked at 56% efficiency, posted 69% positive reception, and added four service aces.
China, meanwhile, leaves the tournament with plenty of positives despite the defeat.
The hosts pushed one of the world’s most in-form teams throughout the contest.
Wang Bin led the Chinese scoring with 19 points, while Yongzhen Li added 13 and Zhejia Zhang contributed 12. China finished with 11 blocks, 49% attacking efficiency, 51% positive reception, and four aces, producing a performance that demonstrated the significant progress made by the national team throughout the competition.
Japan’s victory sets up one of the most anticipated semifinal encounters of the tournament, as the only undefeated team in the VNL prepares to face a confident Slovenia side looking to reach another major international final.
IN PROGRESS
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🏐| FIVB Volleyball Nations League 2026 | QUARTERFINALS
📍Ningbo Beilun – China 🇨🇳
—Wednesday | July 29, 2026 —
• 15.00 (Local Time) | Slovenia – Türkiye 3-0 (25:21, 35:33, 39:37)
👉🏼 19.30 (Local Time) | Japan – China 3-1 (23:25, 25:23, 25:16, 25:23)
— Thursday | July 30, 2026 —
• 15.00 (Local Time) | Italy – USA
• 19.30 (Local Time) | Poland – Ukraine
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