Chinese Surprise U.S. with World League Victory

The United States national men’s volleyball team suffered its first loss in the World League as China surprised the Americans with a 15-3, 15-0, 6-15, 10-15, 15-9 decision Saturday in Shanghai.

The U.S. (9-1) still is in first place in World League play. The Americans visit the second-place Commonwealth of Independent States next weekend with the Pool A title on the line. The U.S. defeated the CIS twice earlier this month in Southern California.

The loss snapped an 11-match winning streak for the United States, which is 14-14 this year in international matches. The 11 consecutive victories tied the longest string of success by the United States during Coach Fred Sturm’s two-year tenure.

Scott Fortune had 14 kills, while Bryan Ivie and Bob Samuelson had 13 apiece. Middle blocker Dan Hanan was also productive with nine kills and two blocks in a substitute role.

The U.S. played without three of its starters and former Olympians, Steve Timmons, Doug Partie and Jeff Stork. They did not accompany the team to China.

BOWLING

Dennis Horan Jr. of San Diego was eliminated in his first game of the stepladder finals of the $125,000 PBA Active West Open in Riverside.

Horan, who was seeded second, lost to third-seeded David Traber of Woodstock, Ill., 226-216 in the semifinals. Traber fell to Dave Ferraro of Kingston, N.Y., 258-224, in the final.

Horan led the tournament through 41 games of qualifying until being passed by Ferraro in the final qualifying game.

POLO

Weekly polo matches return to the Rancho Santa Fe Polo Club beginning today at 2 p.m. Matches are held each Sunday through Oct. 11. Tickets are $3.