A Vietnamese player (right) contests the ball against Cambodia in the men's beach volleyball qualifying round in Quảng Ninh Province. Việt Nam won 2-1 after three matches on May 15. VNA/VNS Photo Quang Đạt

QUẢNG NINH — The Philippines got off to a good start to the men's beach volleyball qualifying round on Tuần Châu Island, Quảng Ninh Province beating Singapore 2-0 on the first day of the event. 

The two teams (number 1 and 2) of the Philippines both got a 2-0 win over Singapore to grab the overall win in the curtain-raiser of the men’s division.

Thailand had to edge out Malaysia 2-1 in the conclusive third match to ink their first win in the qualifying round.

In the first match, Thailand lost to Malaysia 2-1, but they then tied the score with a 2-0 win in the second match. In the third match, Thailand took a 2-1 win over Malaysia to draw first blood.

The hosts Việt Nam had a poor start in the first match against Cambodia, when the first team of Việt Nam lost 2-0. In the second match, the second team of Việt Nam pulled the score back with a 2-0 win. In the decisive third match, Việt Nam tried their best and edged out a 2-1 victory.

In the women’s qualifiying round on May 15, Singapore won two matches in the face-off with the Philippines with the same score 2-0.

Thailand also cruised to two wins over Indonesia with the same score 2-0 in two matches.

Việt Nam also eased passed Malaysia in two matches, winning 2-0 in each.

The beach volleyball has drawn 16 men’s and 12 women’s team competing on May 15-20.