TOKYO: Defending women’s champions China were upset in straight sets by Turkey in their Olympic Pool B opener today, going down 25-21, 25-14, 25-14 at the Ariake Arena.
China, who have won six Olympic medals in women’s volleyball including three gold, were overpowered by the Turks for whom Ebrar Karakurt led the way with 18 points while three others finished in double figures.
Earlier, the top-ranked US women rode on Olympic debutants Jordan Thompson’s 20 points and Michelle Bartsch-Hackley’s 13 to ease past Argentina 25-20, 25-19, 25-20 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
Serbia and Italy also sealed straight-set victories over the Dominican Republic and the Russian Olympic Committee team respectively.