TIANJIN, China, March 17 (Xinhua) -- South Korean star spiker Kim Yeon-koung scored 26 points here on Saturday evening to lead Shanghai tie it 1-1 with Tianjin in the finals of the Chinese Women's Volleyball League.
Kim improved on her 13-point performance in a 3-1 defeat in Game 1 four days ago, guided the visitors to the 25-23, 21-25, 25-21 and 25-20 victory in the second clash of the best-of-seven series.
"I think I am doing better because all my teammates are playing better," said Kim. "Now we know we can beat Tianjin. This victory is a huge morale boost for us."
Chinese teenager Li Yingying converted on 25 of her 79 killing attempts to notch game-high 28 points for Tianjin, but Shanghai outblocked Tianjin 13-8 on the way to their victory.
"Shanghai played really well today. They did a great job in attacking, blocking and serving," said Tianjin coach Chen Youquan.
After splitting the first two sets, Shanghai and Tianjin fought to a 20-all tie in the third set. Then Shanghai ran off four points in a row to make it 24-20. Li Yingying had a smash to cut it to 24-21 before Kim clinched the set winner for Shanghai with a kill.
In the fourth set, Tianjin jumped to an 8-2 cushion, but Shanghai answered with a 13-5 burst to overtake the lead at 15-13. Tianjin fought hard to tie it at 17-all, only to find Shanghai pull away again on back of a 7-1 run.
Tianjin withstood two match points, while Zhang Yichan wrapped up the set and the match as she smashed the ball home. Zhang finished with 13 points for Shanghai with Zeng Chunlei adding 15.
