Intrepid upstarts blossoming abroad

Superstar Zhu Ting's successful time in Turkey has paved the way for more young Chinese talent to step out of their comfort zone and test themselves abroad.

After leading China to Olympic gold at the 2016 Rio Games, Zhu raised eyebrows when she left Henan for Vakifbank Istanbul for a stint that ultimately yielded plenty of trophies－including Europe's most prestigious club crown, the CEV Champions League, in 2018.

Given the country's glorious history in women's volleyball, Chinese players signing for foreign teams was nothing new. However, most had previously ventured abroad in the latter stages of their careers, making Zhu's move at the peak of her powers unusual.

The 25-year-old has since returned home, where she is suiting up for Tianjin, but a new generation of young talent is following in her footsteps.

With the domestic Super League now in its offseason, a total of 14 Chinese women are playing at foreign clubs, while three more are in the process of joining them.

Few of those can expect to enjoy the same profile or success as the all-conquering Zhu, however for the likes of Sun Ruhan, playing abroad is more of a learning experience than a trophy hunt.

Last December, Sun joined Serbian team Zeleznicar Lajkovac from Shandong. The 25-year-old admits it's not all been plain-sailing but she is undoubtedly relishing the trip into the unknown－no matter what challenges it throws at her.

"I think I'm doing fine so far and integrating with my new teammates well, despite the playing style here being very different to the style we play in the Chinese league," Sun told Sina Sports.

"I'm trying my best to adjust. Integrating and cooperating with my teammates is not a problem. We usually communicate in English and they have taught me some easy Serbian words, like some specific volleyball phrases."

Sun said that Lajkovac's tactics are not as complicated as those employed by Chinese teams but switching to a new style is still "a challenge and a way for me to develop my game".

"I'm pretty busy as a blocker here," said Sun. "I feel that I'm improving my blocking skills here during the training and matches I play here all the time.

"At the very beginning, I was always jumping too early. The coach and my teammates had to remind me when to jump. Now, though, I've already adjusted to it.

"The spike here is really powerful, which makes blocking a really hard task. I hope I can refine my skills here."

As well being worked extra hard at the net, Sun admitted that the daily training schedule has also been tough going.

Language is another problem, especially considering that she and her teammates can only speak a little English and Serbian is pretty much completely alien to her.

Sun, though, is determined to persevere with her new environment.

"This whole trip will have a very positive influence on my professional career. I am gaining more experience and learning new ways of playing and training," she enthused.

A month after her arrival, Sun was pleased to be joined by a Super League rival at Lajkovac－Tianjin's Yu Yunwei.

Having a compatriot around has not surprisingly proved to be a big help for both of them.

"I've known Sun Ruhan since we were in youth teams, and it's great that we've become teammates in a foreign country," said Yu.

"The living environment here is good, but we have to take care of our three meals a day ourselves. I don't know how to cook, so basically Sun has been taking care of me. I just miss the canteen of the Chinese team so much!"

Sun is also grateful for the company－both on the court and at the dinner table.

"When there's no games to play, we need to train four hours a day－two in the morning and two at night. We cook together, but just some simple things like noodles and fried rice. If we have time, maybe chicken wings occasionally."

Li Quanqiang, the director of the Volleyball Administrative Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, hopes that more Chinese players can be similarly adventurous with their careers.

"It shows that domestic clubs and players have a more open mindset, and it also shows that more foreign clubs now recognize the potential of Chinese players," said Li.

"Even some Chinese players who are not strong enough to be a core player in a big team, they can still level up their strength in low-level foreign leagues and improve step by step.

"We encourage more players to play outside China, where possible. Not only the women players but also the men. The Chinese Volleyball Association will create opportunities for them."