Host of pool D, China clinched a game against Bulgaria 3-0 (25-13 26-24 25-23). In second game in pool C Japan outclassed Thailand 3-0 (25-19 25-17 25-21).
Game between China and Bulgaria had many ups and downs. In first set China dominated the game, Bulgaria couldn’t receive a ball. In later sets game became more equal. Bulgaria in second set had even advantage 16-10, but patient game by Chinese and good tactics of Lang Ping helped to turn set over. In last set at half of the set China took 2-3 points advantage and didn’t lose it till the end of the game. The best scorer was Ting Zhu (OH), MVP of U-20 World Championships with 18 points, the best Bulgarian player was Elitsa Vasilieva (OH) 12 points.
In second game in Ankara Japan in all sets had visible advantage and committed only 13 mistakes, while Thailand had 19. Japan was better in almost all elements. As always strong weapon were their wings: Yukiko Ebata with 20 points, Saori Kimura with 16 and Risa Shinnabe with 9. From Thai players the best were Sittirak Onuma (12) and Chaisri Tapaphaipun (10). Coach Kiattipong gave up an idea with two liberos, the only one became Piyanut Pannoy.