Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, August 10, 2024 – Two unbeaten teams, hosts Thailand and Vietnam, are set to battle it out in a decisive match in the 4th SEA V. League at Chartchai Hall here to fight for the Second Leg supremacy on Sunday.
Vietnam
Thailand
Thailand and Vietnam had already pulled off two consecutive wins in the single round-robin competition, with the former similarly demolishing Philippines and Indonesia 3-0 and the latter outclassing the two opponents 3-0 and 3-1 respectively. The confrontation between Thailand and Vietnam on Sunday will be a decisive encounter and the final showdown alike to determine the eventual winers of the Second Leg.
Against Indonesia, Thailand, current world No.14 and Asian champions, still fielded their strong lineup including Chatchu-On Moksri, Pimpichaya Kokram, Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Thatdao Nuekjang and middle blocker Wimonrat Thanapan, who stepped up in place of Hattaya Bamrungsuk. The Indonesians remained strong offensively with the likes of the 183cm-tall opposite Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi.
In the first set, Thailand heavily relied on their formidable players, all of them competed in the Volleyball Nations League Finals on home soil at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium in June. Ajcharaporn and Chatchu-On attacked spectacularly, while Thanacha Sooksod, who subbed in for Pimpichaya during the first set, proved to be the big hero for the host side as she led her teammates to a convincing 25-15 win in the set.
Going down one set, Indonesia fought back, with Megawati and Arsela Nuari Purnama firing block-out kills in the closely-contested second set. However, with greater experience and form, Thailand stayed in control, courtesy of their combination attacks, consistency and resilience. Thailand went on their impressive offensive system orchestrated by Chatchu-On and Ajcharaporn and Thatdao and setter Pornpun Guedpard were very supportive with solid blocks to help the home side close out the well-fought set 25-22.
Indonesia came up with great form in the third set, with Megawati on fire in attack. As Thailand were not at their best at some moments, Indonesia cruised on their attacks to capture the commanding 15-11 lead and extended it to 18-15, thanks to off-the-block kills by Megawati, Nurlaili Kusumah Diningrat and Arsela. The host side put their acts together, fought back hard to catch up at 19-19, but the Indonesians still had enough in their tank to hold the strong opponents off and broke away 22-20.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Asian Volleyball Confederation…