“Zhang Chuan scored 18 points” — China’s national team was different; Hyundai Capital smiled from the start of the KOVO Cup [Yeosu On-Site Review]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The effect of signing Chinese national team player Zhang Chuan appeared right from the first match. Cheonan Hyundai Capital smiled in its opening cup tournament game.

Cheonan Hyundai Capital defeated Busan OK Savings Bank 3-2 in sets (25-22, 17-25, 25-20, 16-25, 15-@@) in the Group A first match of the 2026 Yeosu·NH Nonghyup Cup Pro Volleyball Tournament (KOVO Cup), held on the 19th at Jinnam Gymnasium in Yeosu.

Hyundai Capital, which narrowly finished as runner-up last season, prepared for the new season without major changes to its roster. The addition of opposite spiker Zhang Chuan, a member of the Chinese national team, further raised expectations.

OK Savings Bank underwent many changes. Setter Lee Min-gyu (KEPCO) left as a free agent, and Kim Jung-ho joined as a compensation player. Additionally, through trades, Bu Yong-chan and Park Tae-sung departed while Noh Jae-wook was acquired to fill the voids. Kim Jun-ho joined via trade, and Kim Do-hoon arrived as a free agent, resulting in a complete team restructuring.

Hyundai Capital took the first set. Led by the trio of Leonardo Reiva (registered name Leo), Zhang Chuan, and Heo Su-bong, they succeeded in establishing early momentum. In the second set, OK Savings Bank immediately counterattacked. Kyle Russell, who played for Korean Air through last season, anchored the offense.

Hyundai Capital won the third set, while OK Savings Bank took the fourth, sending the first match to a deciding fifth set.

Both teams sought ways to dominate their opponents through serves. After Russell’s service ace was followed by an error, the score tied at 3-3. Leo delivered a powerful serve but it went out of bounds for a point. OK Savings Bank’s Jeon Gwang-in’s crucial serve also landed out.

In the subsequent back-and-forth flow, Hyundai Capital built momentum. From a 7-7 tie, Kim Dae-hwan’s serve hit the net, allowing Hyundai Capital to take the lead. Heo Su-bong’s service ace extended the gap, and Russell, attempting to block Leo’s open attack, committed a blocking net touch, giving Hyundai Capital a three-point advantage.

In an 11-9 situation, Zhang Chuan’s spike serve landed effectively. Combined with Leo’s quick attack and Jeon Gwang-in’s quick attack going out, Hyundai Capital signaled a promising start.

Zhang Chuan recorded the team-high 18 points with a 53.57% attacking efficiency, showcasing powerful offensive capability alongside Leo (14 points) and Heo Su-bong (11 points).

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original