In a clash that set the tone for what’s been dubbed the ‘Group of Death’ in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, Beijing Baic Motor wasted no time proving its pedigree.
The Chinese powerhouse brushed off a gritty Saipa Tehran squad in straight sets, 28-26, 25-22, 25-19, Sunday at the Philsports Arena to open its Pool C campaign with a dominant statement win.
Baic Motor, the tournament’s highest-ranked club at No. 5, shook off some early jitters and settled in smoothly, controlling the next two sets to secure a 1-0 start and take an early lead in Pool C — showing why it’s considered one of the teams to watch in the competition.
“We’re missing a couple of players [because] of the national team, so we’re trying our best and we’re working really hard to win,” said Beijing Baic Motor head coach Kuang Qi through an interpreter, as the team fielded only 10 players in the tournament.
(C) PVL Images
After a tightly contested opening set and a close battle in the second, Baic Motor broke away in the third with a blistering 14-4 start — capped by a Lu Yufei kill — that effectively drained the fight out of the Iranians.
The Chinese squad had to overcome a gallant stand from Saipa Tehran in the opener, where Jin Ye hammered a cross-court attack to break the 25-all deadlock before Mahsa Kadkhoda committed an attack error, giving Beijing Baic Motor a 1-0 lead.
Baic Motor gradually found its rhythm in the second set, then closed out the match with a strong finish in the third, wrapping up the victory in just an hour and 23 minutes in this tournament that has Mikasa, Mizuno, and Grand Sport as federation partners.
“It’s the first match, so they’re a little bit nervous, but we’re trying our best. I’m happy about it,” Kuang added.
Jin, a 29-year-old outside hitter, led the charge for the Chinese side with 16 points built on 14 attacks and two blocks, while also tallying 13 excellent digs and six excellent receptions to help power their strong start in the AVC Champions League — which is also supported by local partners PLDT, MWell, Eagle Cement, Rebisco, Akari, Gameville, PNVF, PSC, Cignal, and The Look Group.
Shan Lanfeng registered 15 points and 11 excellent digs, while Lu came up with 15 markers as well, laced with 10 excellent digs. Shen Hongyi and Tian Yue chipped in seven and five points, respectively, as Baic Motor moved on the verge of securing a spot in the quarterfinals.
Beijing Baic Motor aims to complete a Pool C sweep when it faces VTV Binh Dien Long An tomorrow, Monday, at 10:00 AM at the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
On the other hand, Neda Chamlanian paced Saipa with 15 points and 11 excellent digs, while Mahsa Saberi added 13 points and 14 excellent digs.
Saipa looks to salvage its campaign when it faces VTV Binh Dien Long An as well on Tuesday, 10:00 AM.
