China seal epic five-set volleyball Grand Prix win over United States

China team coach Lang Ping described the five-set epic final with the United States as a "meaningful challenge", as the mainlanders triumphed in nail-biting fashion to claim the Hong Kong leg of the volleyball World Grand Prix at the Coliseum last night.

In an encounter lasting two hours and nine minutes, the mainlanders dropped the opening set to the reigning world champions 25-22. China coach Lang Ping substituted middle blocker Yang Junjing with Yan Ni at the start of the second set to strengthen attacks and the plan worked well.

China took the second and third sets 25-13 and 25-22 respectively before the Americans levelled the score by taking the fourth 25-19.

China took the final set 15-12 and wing spiker Zhu Ting, who top scored with 23 points, was named the most valuable player of the competition.

"I think [the final] was a meaningful challenge to our team. Throughout the match, our performance fluctuated in areas like receiving," said Lang, who was named outstanding coach of the leg.

"But I have to say our players had the courage to keep fighting as the US team was the better side, especially in blocking. They also had more powerful spikes."

The two finalists will meet again in the final round of the Grand Prix in Omaha next week.