Türkiye rallies past Brazil for second Women's VNL title

Gizem Orge (front R) of Türkiye holds the trophy during the awarding ceremony after the final match between Brazil and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 Finals in Macao, south China, July 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

MACAO, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye rallied from a set down to defeat Brazil 3-1 on Sunday and claim its second Women's Volleyball Nations League title, with Melissa Teresa Vargas scoring a match-high 33 points and earning tournament MVP honor.

Brazil edged a closely fought opening set 25-23 after the lead changed hands several times. Türkiye responded by leveling the match with a 25-23 victory in the second set, as Vargas led an aggressive attacking display.

The third set was equally tight, with the teams locked at 24-24 before Türkiye scored the final two points to move within one set of the title.

Türkiye completed the comeback by taking the fourth set 25-21, relying on strong blocking and Vargas' powerful hitting to seal the championship.

Earlier Sunday, Italy defeated host China 3-1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-22, 25-13) to secure third place.

China captain Gong Xiangyu said her team still had work to do despite its determination to reach the podium.

"Although we really wanted to win, both the process and the result showed that we still have gaps to bridge before becoming a strong team, not only in terms of skills and tactics, but also in mentality," Gong said.

"I think what we need to do more is to focus on the details," she added. ■

Players of Türkiye celebrate during the final match between Brazil and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 Finals in Macao, south China, July 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Players of Brazil reacts after a failed saving during the final match between Brazil and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 Finals in Macao, south China, July 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Team Brazil pose for photos during the awarding ceremony after the final match between Brazil and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 Finals in Macao, south China, July 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Gizem Orge (C) of Türkiye rises the trophy during the awarding ceremony after the final match between Brazil and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 Finals in Macao, south China, July 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Sinead Jack (1st L) and ilkin Aydin of Türkiye blocks during the final match between Brazil and Türkiye at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026 Finals in Macao, south China, July 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)