Host Japan saves face with dramatic volleyball win

Host Japan saves face with dramatic volleyball win

HIROSHIMA, Japan (AFP): Japan came within two points of defeat in the men's volleyball final yesterday but rallied to beat defending champion China in a dramatic finish to an Asian Games lacking in magical moments.

The stunning 12-15, 13-15, 15-13, 15-2, 15-10 triumph also gave Japan its first Asiad crown since 1982 and saved some national honor in an event where gold medals have been hard to come by for the host.

With some his players shedding tears of joy around him, Japanese coach Seiji Oko said: "We felt we had to win because it had been so long since we won at the Asian Games."

A packed arena screamed with delight when Nakagaichi's slam deflected out of bounds off two Chinese blockers to give Japan the final point.

"This was a great victory," Japanese captain Yuichi Nakagaichi said. "We never quit."

China's 'great wall' of blockers denied Japanese shots throughout most of the first three games. Zheng Liang and Li Haiyun stuffed Japanese attackers while attackers Zhang Liming and Zhang Xiang slammed down key points.

Zhang Liming spiked or blocked to score five straight points and give China a 12-6 lead in the third set. But Japan scored nine of the next 10 points, holding off three serves, China needed only two points to remain champion.

"We became very nervous in the third set," Chinese coach Shen Fulin said. "Because of our nerves, the mood changed suddenly."

And dramatically. Japan breezed through the fourth set and never trailed in the fifth. Nakagaichi spiked home four points in the deciding game, one after a tremendous diving save by Shigeru Aoyama.

After their four-set collapse, the Chinese men returned to their locker room and did not return when play was set to begin. After a few anxious moments, they emerged wearing fresh uniforms and played after a delay warning.

"We wanted to change clothes and we had become very nervous after the third set, therefore they had to take time to calm themselves," Shen said.

Nakagaichi, Aoyama, Hideyuki Otake, Masayuki Izumikawa and Katsuyuki Minami sparked the Japanese comeback. All were on the Japanese team that placed sixth in the 1992 Olympics.

Japan had beaten China in six of seven meetings since the Barcelona Games, but found its play improved since last year's Asian championship.

"Their skills made it very difficult for us," Oko said. "But we were in a very good mood. That led to victory."