Volleyball Nations League: China suffer shock loss to Poland as Italy showdown looms in Hong Kong
- Hosts dealt first defeat of 2023 season as showdown with defending champions Italy looms on Sunday in Hung Hom
- Italy save one match point before overcoming the Netherlands after a near two-hour long battle at Hong Kong Coliseum
Poland stunned the volleyball world by dealing China their first defeat in this season’s Nations League with a convincing straight sets win on Saturday night in Hung Hom.
The Poles walked away with a 25-20, 25-23, 25-22 win after 90 minutes – their third victory at the Hong Kong Coliseum, and seventh in the pool stage since it started late last month.
Magdalena Stysiak, who played as opposite spiker, again led the offence with a game-high 20 points. The 22-year-old has led the team in scoring in seven of eight matches this season, while outside hitter Martyna Lukasik added 13 points on Saturday.
Poland, who had their unbeaten run this season snapped by the Netherlands on Friday, claimed their biggest victory to date at this year’s tournament. They also saw off Serbia 3-2 a fortnight ago in Antalya.
Hosts China will be looking to bounce back when they take on reigning champions Italy in a heavyweight showdown on Sunday night – the final match of the six-day event.
Earlier on Saturday, Italy threw down the gauntlet for their showdown against China after prevailing in a thrilling five-set match against the Netherlands.
