The 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix Final Round produced one of its most gripping contests on 4 August, when hosts China Women were pushed to five sets by a fearless Netherlands Women side before sealing a 3-2 win in Nanjing. With the home crowd roaring behind them, China displayed resilience, star power, and the tactical flexibility that has made them a global volleyball powerhouse.

Match Overview

China and Netherlands entered the match with contrasting momentum but both understood the value of a Final Round win. China surged through the opening two sets with sharp serving and disciplined defence, taking them 25-21 and 25-22. Netherlands, however, refused to fade. Led by their powerful right-side attacks, the Dutch rallied to claim the next two sets 25-21 and 25-23, forcing a decisive fifth set.

In the tie-break, China rediscovered their blocking rhythm and leaned on their most reliable finishers. A series of strong side-out plays and two crucial blocks on Dutch star Lonneke Sloetjes carried China to an emphatic 15-11 fifth-set scoreline.

Key Moments

• Opening statement: China used a four-point run in the first set to take control behind the serving of Yuan Xinyue, giving them the early lead.
• Dutch revival: Netherlands answered with a 6-0 block-and-dig sequence in the third set, with Robin de Kruijf controlling the middle.
• Fifth-set heroics: China's dynamic outside hitter Zhu Ting delivered four kills in the final five points, proving decisive under pressure.

Tactical Story

China's game plan revolved around setting a fast tempo for Zhu Ting and forcing Netherlands out of system with aggressive float serves. Netherlands countered by isolating their opposites and hammering the ball through positions two and four. In the end, China’s taller blocking structure at the net tilted the balance, especially in the final set.

Standout Players

• Zhu Ting (China): The superstar attacker finished with a match-high 28 points and was unstoppable in crucial rallies.
• Lonneke Sloetjes (Netherlands): Led the Dutch effort with 24 points, mixing power with clever shots off the block.
• Yuan Xinyue (China): Contributed 12 points, including five blocks that repeatedly shut down Dutch middle attacks.

Season Impact

By securing this hard-fought home victory, China strengthened their position in the Final Round group and reaffirmed their status as one of the title favorites on home soil. For Netherlands, the one-point defeat still demonstrated they could compete with the very best and left their semifinal hopes alive heading into the remaining group fixtures.