China beat Japan to claim AVC Cup champion

China beat Japan 25-20, 25-23, 25-22 in the 2022 AVC (Asian Volleyball Confederation) Cup final in Nakhon Pathom on Sunday to claim the trophy with a perfect record. Entering the final as the only unbeaten team in the tournament, China trailed 10-13 in the first set but turned the tide to 17-15. Back-to-back aces by hitter Yu Yuantai consolidated the lead and China went on to take the set 25-20. Japan took an early 10-5 lead in the second set, but China’s veteran Dai Qingyao emerged from the bench and made the difference with powerful spikes, allowing China to tie the score 17-17. Both teams were subsequently hampered by service errors, but China managed to win the set 25-23.