China, the FIVB World Cup holders, return to an Olympic Games final for the first time since they beat Russia in Athens 2004, following a remarkably close 3-1 (27-25, 23-25, 29-27, 25-23) over European championship silver medallists (but nonetheless outsiders at Rio 2016) Netherlands Thursday night at the Maracanazinho.
Outside hitter Zhu Ting was the driving force behind China's win over a plucky Dutch side, scoring a tournament high of 33 points and joining the elite few in Olympic historywho have brought in more than 30 in a single match.
Earlier in the morning Serbia had caused one of the biggest upsets in Olympic volleyball history, knocking out reigning world champions USA 3-2 (20-25, 25-17, 25-21, 16-25, 15-13) in the other semifinal. The Balkan side became the first European team since Russia in Athens 2004 to qualify to an Olympic final.
Saturday's final begins at 22:15. Earlier, at 13:00, USA will take on The Netherlands for bronze.
