Beijing takes 2-0 lead in women's volleyball league finals (updated)

Beijing, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Beijing was just one step away from its first league title by beating defending champion Tianjin 3-1 for a 2-0 lead in the best-of-5 finals of the Chinese Women's Volleyball Super League (CVL) here on Tuesday.

Beijing rallied from one set down to take the game 27-29, 26-24, 25-16 and 29-17.

Beijing spiker Ren Kaiyi collected 19 points, Tianjin middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan claimed a game-high 21 points.

Beijing had a more aggressive start as the hosts surged into a 10-3 lead, but Tianjin fought back to turn around the first set and won it by 29-27.

However, Tianjin wasted four set points leading the second set 24-20 before Beijing scored six points in a row to level the first two sets apiece, and took the third with 25-16.

The fourth set became more intense as Tianjin claimed five straight points from 20-24 down, yet it was the home side that sealed the game with a block.

Beijing coach Zhang Jianzhang said: "Both teams played a brilliant match and showed the spirit of never give up. In today's match, we also had some problems, and we still should learn from Tianjin."

Beijing will host Game 3 on March 9.