China scores third straight victory in volleyball Olympic qualifier

　　(Xinhua)

　　Updated: 2004-05-25 17:30

　　Tang Miao scored 23 points to steer China to its third straight victory in the men's volleyball Olympic qualifying tournament on Tuesday.

　　The Chinese team, winners over Asian champions South Korea and hosts Japanese in the previous round competitions, rolled over Iran 3-1 (25-16, 25-22, 31-33, 25-22) for their third victory in the tournament.

　　The Chinese team, seeking for their first Olympic qualifying slot in 20 years, started strong in the match, winning the first two sets 25-16, 25-22 thanks to strong attacking and tight blocking.

　　But they lost concentration in the third set after leading 23-17 and the Iranian team, which trounced South Korea 3-0 on Monday,took advantage to launch a strong comeback.

　　The Chinese team squandered eight match points before losing the set 31-33.

　　In the fourth set, the Chinese team held their nerve to wrap upthe match 25-22.

　　"We lost concentration in the third set. We should have concluded the match 3-0," said Chinese head coach Di An'he. "Yes we have won three matches, but the next matches will be much tougher for us."

　　China will play France on Wednesday and then meet Canada, Australia and Algeria later this week.

　　France now top the standings after beating South Korea 3-0 on Tuesday. The French team have not dropped a single set so far in the tournament.

　　Only the winners and the top ranked Asian team of the tournament qualify for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.