TIANJIN, Aug. 27 -- Shanghai pulled off an upset win over previously unbeaten Liaoning here on Sunday to set up a final clash with league title holders Jiangsu in the women's volleyball tournament of the 13th Chinese National Games.
Zhang Yichan had 20 smashes, four aces and one block to lead Shanghai, who had lost to Liaoning 3-1 in their preliminary meeting in Group B on Tuesday, to the 25-20, 14-25, 25-20 and 25-21 victory.
After entering the knockout stage as the third finishers from Group B, Shanghai have produced two surprising wins in a row to secure their first final appearance at the National Games in 20 years. In 1997, Shanghai captured their only women's volleyball title at the eighth National Games at home.
"It's a pity that we lost to Liaoning 3-0 in the semifinals four years ago at the last National Games. This Games would be the last one for many of our veterans, so we just try to fight hard in every match," Zhang said after scoring a game-high 25 points. "Every one of us has done a great job and we are really pleased with that."
Yang Jie and Zhang Lei added 18 and 16 points respectively for Shanghai while Liaoning's veteran star spiker Wang Yimei scored 13.
"We have done our best. The results were disappointing, but we don't have regrets," said Wang Yimei.
In the other semifinal match, reigning Chinese League champions Jiangsu beat Beijing 3-1 to enter the National Games final for the first time since 1979 when they finished runners-up to Sichuan.
Shanghai and Jiangsu will vie for the title on Monday evening while Beijing and Liaoning will fight for the bronze medal.