China men’s volleyball team face relegation from elite Nations League as fans turn on coaching staff
- Fans vent anger with team’s FIVB Volleyball Nations League fate now out of their hands after defeat by Canada on Sunday
- China finish third week of competition winless in the Philippines, having also lost to Japan, Slovenia, and Brazil
China’s men are staring relegation from the FIVB volleyball Nations League in the face after a 3-1 defeat by Canada in the final match of the preliminary phase.
Following Sunday’s 23-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-18 loss at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, China are bottom of the standings with two wins from 12 matches this season, and just six points to their name.
The victory ensured Canada avoid relegation. China must hope Cuba lose 3-0 to Iran in their pool match in Anaheim, California, where this week’s other third-round leg is being played.
If Cuba win a single game on Monday morning Beijing time, then China will go into the FIVB Challenger Cup to see if they will take part in next season’s Nations League.
“Obviously it’s a huge win. We needed this to stay in the VNL, but to also have our team win this game and put everything on the line and save ourselves was very emotional,” Canada’s Stephen Maar, who had 20 points, told Filipino media outlet Spin. “I’m really happy with how we performed with such pressure.”
China finished week three of the competition winless, also losing 3-2 to Japan, 3-1 to Slovenia, and 3-0 to Brazil.
