Chinese Taipei set off to a sluggish start, giving up several points with unlikely ball-handling errors. Their persistence and patience in defence picked up, and they made effective decisions in attack. TH Wu was an easy choice to free up for the attacks. The Chinese Taipei side also proved they could block against a team known for its powerful hitters. They amplified their offensive armoury and looked to their service to win 25-20 in the opening set.
Chinese Taipei raced off to a 5-0 start that prompted the opposing team for a quick time-out. It was clear how the Chinese Taipei side grew more confident with the crafty orchestration of setter Pei-Hung Huang. With a good lead to lean on, Chinese Taipei brought in their second stringers.
Spain was quick to strike back, with Daniel Rocamora and Ruiz gunning left and right. Chinese Taipei lost costly points from net infractions and Spain came closer to cutting the lead. Without risking the second set any further; Chinese Taipei coach Ke-Chou Chen brought HM Liu back in and raced to a 25-22 win in the second set.
Spain capitalized on a tighter offence in the third set. Rocamora and Ruiz continued to fire away from the flanks, but the likes of Jorge Fernandez and Miguel Fornes deployed a great presence at the net. Chinese Taipei seized the lead with their superb transition plays and attempted to extend the set. Ruiz continued to score in crucial plays and Spain closed the third set 26-24 with a service winner to take the game into a fourth set.
By the fourth set, there was no stopping Chinese Taipei. They looked formidable in both offence and defence, although still prone to some errors. Spain needed to remember their advantage at the net and saved several match points with three successive blocks.