The 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix Finals served up a thriller in Nanjing as host nation China Women edged Netherlands Women 3-2 (25-23, 20-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-9) on August 4, 2017. It was a match that had everything: momentum swings, a roaring home crowd, as well as a Netherlands side that refused to bow out quietly.

Match Overview

With both sides eager to secure a strong position in the Finals pool, China entered the match as the emotional favourite but quickly learned that Netherlands, led by the formidable Lonneke Sloetjes, would not be an easy assignment. China came out sharp in the opening set, using the serving pressure of Ding Xia and the heavy swings of Zhu Ting to take a tense 25-23 decision. However, the Dutch response was swift — a second-set surge helped by Robin de Kruijf’s blocking wall and Sloetjes’ pinpoint attacks left China scrambling.

The match turned, again, in China’s favour in the third set when the home side settled into its rhythm. Middle blockers Yuan Xinyue and Yan Ni repeatedly stuffed the Dutch left-side hitters, allowing China to run away with an 18-25 scoreline. Yet, Netherlands struck back to force a decider, keeping the crowd quiet before an electric final set in which China pulled away early and never looked back. A 15-9 fifth set sealed an emotional victory for the hosts.

Key Moments and Tactical Story

• China’s blocking changes the tide: After a rough second set, China’s block improved dramatically, turning four Dutch attacks into points in the early third-set stretch.
• Sloetjes vs. Zhu Ting: The battle between the two opposite hitters was the match’s defining duel. Zhu Ting finished with a team-high mark in kills, while Sloetjes kept the Dutch alive in sets three and four.
• Ding Xia’s distribution: China’s setter rotated between feeding the quick middle and backcourt options, making it impossible for Netherlands’ blockers to fully commit.
• Netherlands’ serve and receive wobbles: Netherlands lost the serving duel in the fifth set, allowing China to score on break points that turned a close start into a runaway finish.

Standout Players

Zhu Ting was the obvious player of the match for China, but Gong Xiangyu also delivered when it mattered, providing valuable scoring depth from the right side. For Netherlands, Lonneke Sloetjes stood out with her physical play and all-around scoring, while libero Kirsten Knip made several outstanding defensive saves in the fourth set to keep her team alive.

In the overall context of the 2017 World Grand Prix Finals, this victory allowed China to build crucial pool momentum and would eventually set the tone for a tournament run that cemented their World Grand Prix title on home soil.