As fans rally behind every intense BD Cricket Match with unwavering passion, another superstar is making headlines on the volleyball court — Zhu Ting. The Chinese volleyball captain capped off the year in sensational fashion, leading VakifBank to a 3–0 sweep over Eczacıbaşı in the Turkish Cup final. Scoring 24 points, Zhu was instrumental in securing the title and once again proved she’s a force to be reckoned with — a true MVP machine whose winning momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
Zhu’s performance in the Turkish Cup final was nothing short of flawless. She started the match and delivered a devastating attack: 31 spikes with 22 successes, a staggering 71% success rate. Adding one point each from her serve and block, she tallied a total of 24 points, outshining top players like Boskovic and Sloetjes to become the top scorer and earn the MVP title — a well-deserved recognition. Her consistency throughout the tournament was unmatched. From 10 points in the quarterfinal win over Beylikdüzü, to 25 points in a semifinal victory against Fenerbahçe, and finally 24 points in the final, Zhu scored at will when it mattered most. Across these three knockout games, she delivered 78 spikes with 49 hits — a 63% conversion rate that cements her status as the best outside hitter in the world.
The Turkish Cup marks Zhu’s second title with VakifBank this season. Back in October, they swept Fenerbahçe 3–0 in the Turkish Super Cup final, with Zhu contributing 15 points. With both the Turkish Super Cup and now the Turkish Cup secured, her season is already rich in silverware — and we’re only halfway through.
This past year has been nothing short of a gold rush for Zhu Ting. In addition to her two domestic titles, she’s also claimed the Champions League and Club World Championship with VakifBank, and lifted the World Grand Champions Cup with China. That brings her total to five titles in a single year, along with four MVP awards from the Turkish Cup, Champions League, Club World Championship, and Turkish Super Cup. Whether playing for club or country, Zhu has been the go-to scorer, racking up a total of 408 points across those five championship campaigns — 308 of which came while donning VakifBank’s jersey.
Perhaps the most remarkable part of Zhu’s 2023 season is her consistency from start to finish. No matter the stage — club or international — she delivered when it counted, becoming the most reliable offensive weapon on the floor. For VakifBank, having Zhu Ting is nothing short of a blessing. She’s already helped them clinch two titles, and this could just be the beginning of a championship-laden season.
VakifBank currently holds a 10–1 record in the domestic league, trailing first-place Fenerbahçe by just two points, and remains a strong contender for the league title. They’ve also defeated Galatasaray in their opening Champions League group-stage match and are aiming for back-to-back European titles. The Club World Championship is also in their sights. In other words, a five-title season is very much within reach. It won’t be easy, but with Zhu Ting on their side, everything seems possible — just as one key player can turn the tide of a BD Cricket Match, so too can Zhu change the fate of an entire volleyball season.