Defending champion China sailed into the semifinals of women's volleyball tournament at the Doha Asiad on Friday, beating Mongolia 3-0 with a lineup of substitutes.
The Olympic and World Cup dual champion is in desperate need of the Asiad's championship to save its pride following the disappointing fifth finishing at the 2006 World Championship in Japan.
However, China's head coach Chen Zhonghe maintained a low-key for the team's expectation at the Doha Asiad.
"None of the team in the semifinals is easy to take on, we have to make full preparation for every match," said Chen.
China, which has not lost a single set so far, will be challenged by in-form Chinese Taipei on Sunday.
The latter, who had a 1-2 win-loss record in the qualifying, is on high spirit after a hard 3-2 win over the much-taller Kazakhstan despite the absence of its head coach Lin Kuang Hung due to illness.
Chinese Taipei has been regarded as a powerful medal competitor following their impressive victories over Japan and South Korea in the World Championship.
"Our players have played better and better and they told me they have found the form at the World Championships," said Wu Hsi Chih, assistant coach of Chinese Taipei. "We will go all out in the match against China."
A forecast torturing tussle for another final seat will be staged between Japan and Thailand.
Japan entered the semifinals after taking a straight-set win over Vietnam on Friday, while Thailand is at peak after staging a scintillating come-from-behind to beat the 2002 Busan silver medalist South Korea 3-1.
The women's volleyball final is scheduled on Dec. 12 and the fifth to eighth layoffs will begin on Sunday.