Vinh Phuc, Vietnam, April 26, 2023 – Altay Vc stunned Diamond Food Fine Chef-Air Force with epic comeback, as Sport Center 1 survived scare from Paykan and Liaoning Donghua pulled off convincing victory against Khuvsgul Erchim on Day 1 of the 2023 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship at the Vinh Phuc Gymnasium here on Tuesday.
Fired-up Altay, champions in 2021 and silver medallists in 2022, succumbed to stunning loss in the first two sets 22-25, 19-25 against old foes Diamond Food, the team they had beaten in straight sets at the last year’s edition in Kazakhstan, in Pool B. Steered by terrific Sana Anarkulova, who landed the MVP award in 2021 and the Best Outside Hitter in 2022, the taller Kazakh side, with their height average of 181cm against the Thai counterparts’ 175cm, bounced back in style to win the next three sets 25-22, 25-14, 15-11, much to the team’s delight.
Aside from Sana Anarkulova, who scored a match high 27 points including 24 attacks, those who could prove a great asset to Altay’s dramatic win included opposite Tatyana Nikitina, outside hitter Serbian Sara Sakradzija, middle blocker Kristina Anikonova and Serbian setter Andela Veselinovic.
However, the Thai team also proved to be a tough nut to crack this time, loaded with talented players including highly-experienced Nootsara Tomkom, formerly regarded as one of the best setters in the world, promising young stars Sasipaporn Janthawisut, middle blockers Tichakorn Boonlert and Kaewkalaya Kamulthala and opposite Wipawee Srithong, four of them played in the Thailand national team in the VNL the previous year. Also strengthening the team was the 193cm-tall Serbian Natasa Cikiriz.
In the interview, Altay head coach Russian Yury Pancenko admitted that it was a difficult match for his team, but it was a good start for the Kazakhs to kick off their campaign with win, while Diamond Food head coach Kittikhun Sri-Utthawong said that his players performed well up to their level, but in some crucial moments made too many mistakes, citing that every team in this tournament is strong and cannot be underestimated. However, he’s still upbeat that his girls will come back with improved form in the following matches to ensure that the top-four target remains within their reach.
Meanwhile, hosts Vietnam’s Sport Center 1, fielding all national team players in their final preparation for the next month’s 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia, struggled hard…
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