The Chinese women's volleyball team competes against the Italian counterpart during the the FIVB Women's Nations League at the Hong Kong Coliseum on June 18, 2023. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

China's women's volleyball team faced a tough match against the Italian counterpart during the FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League at the Hong Kong Coliseum on Sunday. 

The team was defeated by the Italian side 23-25, 25-23, 18-25, 25-22, 15-12, the second loss for China who suffered its first defeat to Poland on Saturday. China's Li Yingying scored a game-high 24 points.

Yuan Xinyue, the team captain of China, received the "Most Popular Player of China" award to recognize her popularity among Chinese fans and her contributions to the team's success.

This match marked the completion of the Hong Kong leg of the tournament.

READ MORE: FIVB Women's Nations League: China beat Canada

A new competition format was adopted this year to increase the number of matches and enhancing entertainment value. 

Andy Chong of China Daily took all the photos of this match.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po (front center) watches the match at the Hong Kong Coliseum on June 18, 2023. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)