SHENZHEN, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Both men's and women's All-Star teams defeated the Champion teams in the China Super Volleyball League 2018-2019 All-Star Games here on Sunday evening.
It's the third All-Star Games of the league and the first played under the new regulation, which was announced by the China Volleyball Association (CVA).
Under the revamped format, the champion team of the season plays against an All-Star team selected by the fans for 50 minutes with winner scoring the most, instead of a show of players, which has been criticized by fans in the last two years.
On Sunday evening, the men's teams got serious in the first minute of the game. Jiang Chuan opened the score with a powerful spike and led the All-Star team to a 5-3 lead, before the Champion team Shanghai fought back with a 3-1 run.
The big guys entertained the audiences with their typical high-flying style and both teams tied at 18-18. Jiang served for an ace as the All-Star team led into half-time with 27-21.
The Champion team Shanghai cut the deficit to one early in the second half and tied at 40-40. But Ji Daoshuai's three consecutive points pulled away the game for the All-Star. Zhong Weijun's ace sealed the 53-46 win for the All-Star team.
In the women's version, the All-Star team took early control with a 4-1 run and never looked back. The Champion team Beijing fought back hard, but the All-Star team, which consisted of players from the national team squad, surged to the final victory with 50-46.
Ji was voted MVP as the men's All-Star Game, while Li Yingying was the women's All-Star MVP. Enditem
