Turkey ended China’s hopes of a surprise comeback and Brazil eliminated defending champions Italy in a five-set thriller as the Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals drew to a close in Macau on Saturday.
Fresh off a quarter-final upset of the US, the hosts were hoping to challenge for gold for the first time in three years, but were no match for a team that has beaten them several times at major events.
Turkey brushed aside China in straight sets, winning 3-0 in the evening’s second semi-final at the East Asian Games Dome.
Melissa Vargas was on fire on the court, leading her team to a 25-21, 25-15, 25-20 victory in front of a crowd of 5,000.
“It was a very important victory for Turkey that took us to the final. Against a great Chinese team, we fought for every point,” Vargas said. “I expect a very difficult game and a decisive battle against Brazil tomorrow.”
China committed fewer unforced errors than Turkey, but outside hitter Zhuang Yushan, with 15 points, was their only player to reach double figures.
