Wu Pengzhi (R) of Shanghai spikes the ball during the second round match between Shanghai and Zhejiang at the 2020-2021 season Chinese Men's Volleyball League in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, March 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Xiao)
The defending champion Shanghai rallied past Zhejiang in a five-set thriller (19-25, 25-23, 25-17, 23-25, 17-15) in the second round of the 2020-21 season of the Chinese men's volleyball league here on Tuesday.
In the tie-breaker, Zhejiang built a 7-3 lead before Shanghai strengthened their attacks to tie at 9-9. After Zhejiang jumped to a 14-13 lead, Shanghai called a time-out and then took the match with a 4-1 burst.
Earlier on Tuesday, Sichuan edged out Tianjin also in five sets (27-25, 25-23, 21-25, 30-32 and 15-13) for its second victory. Zhai Haonan provided a game-high 26 points for Tianjin, while Li Rui and Chen Xilong scored an identical 20 for Sichuan.
Beijing staged a lopsided 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-9) victory over Liaoning. Beijing spikers Uros Kovacevic and Zhang Binglong grabbed 31 points together while none of Liaoning's players scored double-digit points.
Chen Zuodong scored a game-high 26 points as Fujian overcame Hebei 3-1 (25-18, 25-14, 30-32, 25-22).
In other games, Henan beat Hubei in straight sets (25-21, 25-20, 25-23), Jiangsu defeated Shandong 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-18).
Players of Shanghai celebrate during the second round match between Shanghai and Zhejiang at the 2020-2021 season Chinese Men's Volleyball League in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, March 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Xiao)
Shen Qiong, head coach of Shanghai, looks on during the second round match between Shanghai and Zhejiang at the 2020-2021 season Chinese Men's Volleyball League in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, March 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Xiao)
Dai Qingyao of Shanghai celebrates during the second round match between Shanghai and Zhejiang at the 2020-2021 season Chinese Men's Volleyball League in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, March 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Xiao)
Dai Qingyao (Top) of Shanghai spikes the ball during the second round match between Shanghai and Zhejiang at the 2020-2021 season Chinese Men's Volleyball League in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, March 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Xiao)
Fu Houwen (L) of Shanghai spikes the ball during the second round match between Shanghai and Zhejiang at the 2020-2021 season Chinese Men's Volleyball League in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, March 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Xiao)