China sweep Brazil to take third place in FIVB Volleyball Nations League

World No. 1 China showed the force of their team on Sunday, battering Brazil 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-22) to win third place in the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Nations League.

Chinese players celebrate victory over Brazil in the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Nations League in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, on Sunday, July 1, 2018. [Photo: VCG]

China's captain and superstar Zhu Ting led the team all the way with a match-high 20 points that included 18 kills. The home fans had plenty to cheer about as the 18-year-old Li Yingying finished with 14 points from 13 kills, cementing her place as a rising star.

Wing spiker Tandara Caixeta once again became the pillar of Brazil's fierce attack, with 15 points coming from 14 kills and an ace. Among the others to have performed throughout the tournament was wing spiker Gabriela Guimaraes, who added 11 points, all from kills.

Zhu and China's head coach Lang Ping had promised to play better on Saturday's press conference after their loss to the USA. Third place is some consolation for the Olympic champions as they demonstrated their form in the third-fourth placing match.

"China's next generation of volleyball stars were tested out on the world stage at this tournament, and the country has much to look forward to in the future," Lang said.