BANGKOK, Thailand — Defending champions Zhetysu showcased resilience and depth to overcome Beijing Arctic Ocean in a five-set battle on April 26, advancing to the semifinals of the AVC Women’s Champions League 2026 and moving one step closer to qualification for the FIVB Volleyball Club World Championship.
Zhetysu claimed a hard-fought 3–2 victory (25–16, 22–25, 23–25, 25–17, 15–13) in a match defined by momentum swings and a decisive finish.
Zhetysu opened strong, taking the first set convincingly, but Beijing responded with composure to claim the second and level the match. The third set proved pivotal, with both teams exchanging blows before Beijing mounted a late surge to take the set and move ahead 2–1.
Facing elimination, Zhetysu delivered a dominant fourth-set performance to extend the match, regaining control through disciplined defense and consistent attacking. The momentum carried into the deciding fifth set, where the teams battled point-for-point before Zhetysu edged ahead in the closing stages to seal the victory.
Yiwen Miao led Zhetysu’s offense with a match-high 22 points, highlighted by 20 attack points along with one block and one service ace, anchoring the team’s balanced scoring effort.
The win keeps Zhetysu’s title defense on track as they advance to the semifinals, placing them within reach of one of the tournament’s two available spots for the world championship.
Beijing Arctic Ocean showed strong resistance throughout the match, particularly in the middle sets, but were unable to close out the contest in the decider.
The AVC Women’s Champions League 2026 continues in Bangkok, with teams vying for a place in the final and a chance to secure qualification to the world stage.
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