Manila, Philippines, August 17, 2024 – Thailand extended their remarkable unbeaten run after their tightly-contested 3-0 win against Vietnam, as Indonesia regained the lost pride following their comeback 3-1 win against hosts Philippines on Day 2 of the 2024 SEA V. League First Leg at Ninoy Aquino Stadium here on Saturday.
Current world No.64 and 2023 AVC Challenge Cup champions Thailand, which kicked off the single round-robin SEA V. League here with stunning 3-0 victory against Indonesia in their campaign opener on Friday, overcame a strong challenge from Vietnam to demolish the world No.54 in thrilling straight sets 27-25, 29-27, 25-15 in 96 minutes, while current world No.53 Indonesia bounced back to beat world No.61 Philippines 3-1 (23-25, 25-19, 25-11, 25-21).
After the first two days, Thailand stayed atop the four-team standing with 6 points from two wins in succession without dropping a single set, while hosts Philippines, though going down 1-3 to Indonesia, are trailing in second place with 3 points from one win against one loss.
World No.53 Indonesia, defending and 12-time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games champions, had the similar performance as Philippines, but due to the host side’s better sets ratio, the Indonesians came in third place. Vietnam finished on the bottom fourth position with no point earned following two losses in a row.
On Sunday, the last day of the first leg in Manila, Vietnam will go up against Indonesia, while hosts Philippines will challenge formidable Thailand in their last encounter. The team with the best performance in the three-day tournament will be crowned champions.
Against Vietnam on Saturday, Thailand fielded the similar strong lineup which had beaten Indonesia in straight sets on Friday. The Thai team had handed Indonesia the first-ever loss in the SEA V. League since it got off the ground last year with the first leg being held in Indonesia and the second leg in Philippines.
Spearheaded by opposite Napadet Bhinijdee, who played for Jakarta Garuda Jaya in Indonesian Men’s Proliga in 2023-2024 season, the Thai squad were also strong offensively with the likes of veteran middle blocker Kissada Nilsawai, who stands 202cm tall, and powerful hitters Anurak Phanram and Chaiwat Thungkham. Vietnam were led by opposite Pham Van Hiep and outside hitter Duong Van Tien, who scored 15 points apiece in their first match against Philippines.
Vietnam made a strong start to take the commanding lead with a four-point…
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