Team Türkiye gather for photos after the semifinal match between China and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 Finals in Macao, south China, July 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

MACAO, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye swept China 3-0 on Saturday in the semifinal of the women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals, securing a final clash with Brazil. China will take on Italy for third place.

China trailed 13-21 in the opening set but mounted a six-point comeback. However, the rally was not enough to change the outcome, as Türkiye held on to win the set 25-21.

Türkiye maintained its high momentum in the second set and extended the lead with another 25-15 victory. In the third set, Türkiye sealed the win 25-20 behind fierce attacks led by Melissa Teresa Vargas, with multiple players contributing.

Vargas scored a match-high 23 points for Türkiye. China's Zhuang Yushan scored 15.

"Reaching the semifinals is already a bonus for our young team. It means we have two more opportunities to compete against the strongest teams in the world," Chinese player Wang Yuanyuan said after the match.

Earlier in the day, Brazil battled past Italy 3-2, ending the latter's bid for a third consecutive title. The final matches will take place on Sunday. ■

Players of Türkiye celebrate during the semifinal match between China and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 Finals in Macao, south China, July 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Melissa Teresa Vargas (L) of Türkiye competes during the semifinal match between China and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 Finals in Macao, south China, July 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Li Chenxuan (1st R) of China competes during the semifinal match between China and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 Finals in Macao, south China, July 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Gong Xiangyu (L) of China competes during the semifinal match between China and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 Finals in Macao, south China, July 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Gizem Orge (R) of Türkiye competes during the semifinal match between China and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 Finals in Macao, south China, July 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Zehra Gunes (top) of Türkiye competes during the semifinal match between China and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 Finals in Macao, south China, July 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)