BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Host China thrilled the home crowd with a dominant straight-set victory over France, while Türkiye battled past Poland in a five-set showdown on Saturday at the FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Beijing, setting the stage for a high-stakes final day.

China swept France 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-11) in the evening session, delivering a commanding performance in front of a packed home audience at the National Indoor Stadium.

In the opening set, China pulled away after a 4-all tie with consecutive blocks and strong net play. The hosts surged to a 12-9 lead, forcing a French timeout, and never looked back. Outside hitter Zhuang Yushan led the charge with eight points in the first set alone, and China closed the frame with five straight points from 20-17, capped by Zhuang's well-timed tip.

The second set remained close early on, with ties at 8, 10, 12, 14 and 17. China then broke through with two transition attacks and an ace to take a 20-17 lead. Wu Mengjie's powerful spike and a block from Gong Xiangyu extended the advantage, and China sealed the set 25-18.

China dominated the third set from the outset. After leading 13-9, the home side pulled away with an overwhelming 11-0 run to reach 24-9. France saved two match points, but a service error handed China the final point at 25-11.

With the win, China improved to 2-1 in the Beijing leg and will face unbeaten Türkiye on Sunday in a highly anticipated finale.

Earlier in the afternoon, Türkiye outlasted Poland 3-2 (25-21, 18-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-7) to register its third win in Beijing. ■