China marched toward to its sixth Asian Games title after sweeping DPR Korea 25-11, 25-20, 25-15 to reach the final of the 2010 edition here on Thursday.

Following a disappointing 10th finish at the World Championship at Tokyo, Japan, this year, China bounced back to remain unbeaten in qualifications at the Asian Games before winning two matches in the play-offs for its 10th Asiad final appearance since China took part in the Asian Games at 1978.

China's head coach Yu Juemin was satisfied with his team's performance.

"I feel relieved," said Yu, who has been guiding the Chinese team for only three months, "We prepared very well yesterday and I am glad to see how our preparation worked during the match."

Middle blocker Xue Min shone in the semifinal, having seven smashes, five blocks plus one ace to score a game-high 13 points for China. Wang Yimei, Zhou Suhong and Ma Yunwen each contributed 11 points.

"I am glad to see Wang in good shape," Yu added, "She had a serious injury in her ankles and I have to put her on bench in some games. I think she will have a decisive position in the final against South Korea."

South Korea, who had a 4-1 win-loss record at the tournament, defeated Kazakhstan 25-15, 25-17, 25-19 in the other semifinals earlier on Thursday.

"South Korea is a very strong team, we have to keep our high morale to beat them," added Yu.

China got off to an amazing 8-3 lead in the opening set to enter the first technical time out, and enlarged the gap to 16-6 shortly afterward. With captain and setter Wei Qiuyue's block and Chen Liyi's kill, China secured the set 25-15.

The Chinese team continued their momentum and led at 14-6 in the second set, DPR Korea fought back hard for a 5-0 cushion, but Xue came up big again as she contributed a block and a dink for China to lead at 23-18. Ma Yunwen's kill gave China the set at 25-17.

In the third set, China soon built a 18-10 advantage as Wang's powerful spikes were unstoppable to DPR Korea. Xue scored her last point for China to lead at 20-13 and China held on to land the victory in 63 minutes.

Earlier on Thursday, South Korea beat Kazakhstan in straight sets to secure a spot on the podium after missing out on Doha Asian Games.

Kazakhstan's pair Natalya Zhukova and Sana Jarlagassova put South Korea under pressure in the third set, but Yang Hyo-Jin's speedy attack and four shots by Kim Yeon-Koung swept Kazakhstan away.

Kazakhstan will try to grab their first Asian Games medal in the women's volleyball in the bronze medal match against DPR Korea.

Also on Thursday, first timer Maldives, which only won match against Tajikistan, closed their first Asian Games in 10th position.

(Xinhua News Agency November 26, 2010)