Li returns as China sweep Thailand in final match before World Champs

Asian powerhouses Thailand and China met on Tuesday in Bangkok in a friendly match that served to finalize both national teams’ preparations for the upcoming 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship and to increase the excitement in the host country ahead of the start of the tournament on Friday.

The festive match, which had presentations honoring both countries before the first serve, was won by the Chinese, who triumphed 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-18). A fourth set was played with teams that mixed players from both sides to entertain the thousands of fans present at the Huamark Indoor Stadium.

• Watch the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship 2025 live on VBTV

Besides the victory, China also got to celebrate the return of star outside hitter Li Yingying. The 25-year-old, left-handed attacker didn’t join the team during the Volleyball Nations League 2025, but showed she’ll be ready to contribute during the World Championship after starting the match against the Thais. Middle blocker Gao Yi, who also missed the VNL, was used by head coach Zhao Yong as well.

Thailand used all of their main players in the match, including star setter Pornpun Guedpard, opposite Pimpichaya Kokram and outside hitters Ajcharaporn Kongyot and Chatchu-On Moksri.

“It was a good opportunity for us to test our playing system and understand what we need to fix before the start of the tournament,” Thai middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang reflected. “We’re just two days away from the first match, and we’ll make sure to take what we learned today and try to improve.”

After the match, Thailand will continue in Bangkok, where they will play against Egypt, Sweden and the Netherlands in Pool A during the World Championship. China, on the other hand, will make the trip to Phuket, which will host their Pool F matches against Mexico, Colombia and the Dominican Republic.

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