Canada celebrates its first victory at the 2016 World League Group 2
Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, June 17, 2016 - Canada kicks off 2016 World League Group 2 race with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-21) victory over China. Graham Vigrass was Canada's main scorer with 15 points.
This is the first ever clash between Canada and China in the World League, but the teams met very recently in Japan during World Olympic Qualification Tournament. Canada defeated China that day 3-2. This is the 10th World League season for the team from NORCECA zone. Their best result, 5th place, was achieved back in 2013. China recorded six mroe seasons in the competition, but with worse result - their highest ever place was seventh, won in 1993 and 2008.
Since beginning of first set, Canada took the lead. Even without five players from roster of World Olympic Qualification Tournament, they went 16-12 at the second TTO. With help of strong serve they claimed the first set 25-18.
Second set started more tight, when China found its concentration, leveling 8-8. From that point Canada proved again why the last encounter ith China ended with Canadians' victory, taking yet another lead and keeping it until 25-22.
China hasn't given up and showed the motivation despite being two sets down. The Canadian setter Tyler Sanders played his game and prepared perfect conditions for his spikers, but not without help of the libero Blair Bann who passed the ball precisely, allowing the team to go 12-9. China took the last opportunity coming close to 18-17 with their blocking, but the team led by captain Winters, kept the lead and won 25-21.