China beat Rwanda in sitting volleyball

Saturday Group BChina 3-0 Rwanda (25-3, 25-8, 25-6) Friday Group ABrazil 3-0 CanadaUkraine 3-2 Netherlands The national women sitting volleyball team lost to China yesterday in their opening match of Group B at the ongoing 2016 Rio Paralympic Games taking place at Riocentro - Pavilion 6. Making their first appearance as the first African women sitting volleyball team, Pater Karreman’s team was a no-match for the defending champions and current world number one China, that easily defeated Rwanda in 3 straight sets. With all sets not exceeding the normal playing time of 15 minutes, China easily took the first set with 26 points while Rwanda only managed to make three points. Seeking a fourth consecutive Paralympic gold medal, China won the second set by 25 points while Rwanda returned eight points. The third set saw Rwanda score only six points against China’s 25. Currently ranked number 13 globally Rwanda is in Group B with China, three-time silver medalists USA (ranked 2nd) and the 2015 Para Volley Asia-Oceania silver medalist Iran, ranked 9th. The team will return to action tomorrow against Iran before locking horns with USA on Wednesday. Meanwhile in Group A, hosts Brazil got off to a flying start defeating Canada in straight sets 25-7, 25-12 and 25-14 as Ukraine edged over Netherlands in a thrilling five sets 21-25, 22-25, 25-13, 26-24 and 15-12. Canada takes on Netherlands today while Brazil will play against Ukraine. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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China beat Rwanda in sitting volleyball