Chinese mount epic comeback vs Viets, secure QF berth in AVC Champions League

MANILA, Philippines -- BEIJING Baic Motor delivered a championship-like performance, rallying from two sets down to stun VTV Binh Dien Long An in a thrilling five-set reversal, 22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-13, 15-10, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Monday in the 2025 AVC Women's Champions League.

Not only did the Chinese side spoil the highly anticipated debut of the Vietnamese powerhouse in the continental tournament, they also became the first team to clinch a quarterfinal spot after sweeping Pool C with back-to-back victories, including a straight-set win over Saipa Tehran (28-26, 25-22, 25-19) in Sunday's opener.

Despite fielding a depleted lineup — playing with only 10 in rotation due to two key players on national team duty — Baic Motor showed remarkable grit and composure in the face of adversity. After dropping the first two sets in tightly contested battles, the Chinese squad dug deep and mounted a stunning turnaround, fueled by stellar net defense and the unstoppable scoring spree of Jin Ye.

Jin exploded for 30 points, unleashing a barrage of bombs that broke the Vietnamese defense. Her back-to-back cross-court kills in the deciding set sealed the incredible comeback victory and completed one of the tournament's most memorable reversals.

Jin finished with 24 attacks, four aces and two blocks, and spiked her solid performance with 10 excellent digs.

As Pool C's first seed, Baic Motor will face the second seed in Pool B, made up of PVL All-Filipino champion Petro Gazz, Chinese Taipei's Taipower, and Hong Kong squad Hip Hing.

"I am familiar with the local teams here. I have been here before. But we have a younger team this year and all we want to do is bring more experience back to China so that we don't have any pressure on us," said Baic Motor head coach Kuang Qi through an interpreter.

Overwhelmed by the offensive firepower of Vietnamese stars Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, Baic Motor found itself on the brink. With their backs against the wall, the China-based spikers showed grit and composure, unleashing a barrage of precise attacks and locking down on floor defense to claw their way back and force a fifth set. TMT