Zhu Ting showed heart of an Olympic champion in VakifBank Istanbul's win 3-1 over Eczacibasi Istanbul
Kobe, Japan, May 13, 2017 – VakifBank Istanbul outside spiker
Zhu Ting showed a prolific performance and great attitude against Eczacibasi Istanbul that led her team to cruise to the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship Kobe 2017 final.
Zhu, who stepped out of her country for the first time to play club volleyball in Turkey, showed the wisdom of an Olympic champion and maturity in the game.
“This is my first time to play club volleyball outside of China,” Zhu said. “As an Olympic champion, I want my level to go up more. I have a big heart to try and become someone better.”
Zhu and coach
Giovanni Guidetti believes that teamwork played a big part in their 3-1 win over Eczacibasi.
“Our match with Eczacisbasi was good, they are such a strong team,” Zhu said. “We had a lot of teamwork in this victory. I think my reception and blocking was average and I hope I can do better tomorrow.”
“I am extremely happy for the victory,” Guidetti said. “We had a great match today. We blocked very well and came back from bad moments individually and collectively.”
VakifBank captain
Gozde Kirdar was not satisfied with their performance, but was satisfied with her team-mates great spirit.
“We are so happy to be in the final,” Kirdar said. “We did not play our best volleyball today but she showed good spirit. I am proud of my team-mates.”
Eczacibasi coach
Massimo Barbolini felt frustrated with the errors commited in the match, easily giving away points to their opponents.
“They won a tough match,” Barbolini said. “We gave away three to five balls and I am not happy about this.”
“We could have done more in this match but we had so many errors,”
Neslihan Demir said. “I hope we can still get a medal tomorrow.”
Eczacibasi’s top scorer
Tijana Boskovic played well in the match, but could not get her team to the final. Boskovic, however, stays positive and will try her best to bring home a medal on Sunday.
“We are sad but both teams played very well,” Boskovic said. “We will try to get a medal tomorrow.”