TIANJIN - Tianjin defeated Beijing 25-15, 25-19, 25-23 to lead 1-0 in the best-of-three semifinals of the Chinese Women's Volleyball Super League here on Tuesday.

China's ace spiker Zhu Ting who sustained an injury to her right wrist at the FIVB Women's Club World Championship two weeks ago, led Tianjin with a game-high 23 points.

From 0-2 down, the reigning champion Beijing once led 15-11 in the third set but was unable to hold its advantage as the hosts rallied for every kill to seal the match eventually.

Li Yingying scored 17 points for Tianjin while Rourke Rachel and Bartsch Michelle had eight points each for Beijing.

Game 2 is scheduled on Saturday.