Ding Xia (L) of China passes the ball during the Round Robin match between China and Serbia at the 2019 FIVB Women's World Cup in Osaka, Japan, Sept. 28, 2019. [Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi]

China's ace setter Ding Xia said she has been losing weight since her team's training began.

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — The regular setter of the Chinese national women's volleyball team, Ding Xia said Tuesday that she has been losing weight since her team's training began.

Ding, the best setter at last year's World Cup, noted that she kept controlling her weight during training despite having no special requirements from the coaching staff.

Ding said: "I lost about 15 pounds compared to my weight at the beginning of the training session. I think I can continue to improve my muscle and physical quality. The lighter weight can help me move faster in matches and increase my stamina."

"It feels like I can fly now," Ding quipped.

 (Source: Xinhua)