Volleyball

Việt Nam (right side) finish second in the ASEAN Grand Prix Women’s Volleyball Invitation which closed in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on September 11. Photo thethao247.vn

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam came in second in the second ASEAN Grand Prix Women’s Volleyball Invitation which closed in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on September 11.

Việt Nam lost 25-19, 25-17, 26-24 to Thailand, who made a perfect sweep in the three-day tournament having previously beaten teams from Indonesia and the Philippines at Chartchai Hall.

It was a massive match with over 5,000 spectators packing the competition site, as world No. 14 Thailand ended their title defence campaign in the ASEAN Grand Prix with a remarkable unbeaten run without dropping a single set to capture the title for the second time in a row.

In their fourth match within four months, Thailand were still the stronger side who set up their domination in the first and second sets easily.

The third set was the most thrilling as Việt Nam gradually gained control with an initial 14-10 lead. Thailand recovered from a slow start to catch Việt Nam at 17-17, 23-23 and 24-24 before they clinched the second set 26-24 to completely end the strong visitors’ challenge.

It was a big jump for the Vietnamese who finished at the bottom of the previous tournament.

Earlier, Indonesia beat the Philippines 26-24, 25-22, 25-23 for a bronze medal.

Indonesia claimed silver medals in both legs in the previous edition of the ASEAN Grand Prix three years ago.

At the awards presentation, eventual winners Thailand received the Champions’ Trophy plus gold medals and US$25,000 cash, while second place Vietnam took the silver medal and US$20,000 cash. Third place Indonesia took home the bronze medal and US$15,000 cash, with fourth place Philippines claimed US$10,000 cash.

Individually, Vietnamese Trần Thị Thanh Thúy and Thai Ajcharaporn Kongyot were recognised as the best hitters.

Nguyễn Thi Trinh of Việt Nam and Tichakorn Boonlert of the hosts were voted best middle blockers.

Atienza Kyla LLana of the Philippines was the best libero while Pimpichaya Kokram of Thailand claimed the MVP among other awards. VNS