Volleyball

VTV Bình Điền Long An aims to reach the top two at the international women's volleyball VTV9 - Bình Điền Cup in May in Đắk Lắk Province. Photos Vietnamese Volleyball

HÀ NỘI The international women's volleyball VTV9 - Bình Điền Cup is back after four years with a huge bonus up for grabs in May in the Central Highlands province of Đắk Lắk.

The tournament, last played in Kiên Giang Province in 2019, was postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the May 11-19 tournament, Chinese Sichuan club will defend their title against Việt Nam's leading clubs of VTV Bình Điền Long An, Trường Tươi Bình Phước, LPBank Ninh Bình, and Đức Giang Lào Cai. Other participants are the U20 squads of Thailand and Việt Nam, and Japanese PFU BlueCats.

They will be divided into two groups competing in the round robin format. The best two of each group will advance to the semi-finals.

As the host side, VTV Bình Điền Long An targets a place in the final match.

The national four-time champion are in good form currently. They just welcomed back the best national player Trần Thị Thanh Thúy after she ended her on-loan contract with PFU BlueCats early this month.

Ngô Văn Đông, general director of Bình Điền Fertilizer Joint Stock Company, owner of the club, also announced that the club had signed a contract with a quality foreign player to improve their power.

According to Volleyball Federation of Việt Nam (VFV), all teams were strong and their international players would strengthen their power. They promised to deliver great matches for the supporters at the Buôn Ma Thuột City Gymnasium.

"Audience will enjoy exciting matches in the Bình Điền Cup when the local teams are national top four, home to many national players," said VFV General Secretary Lê Trí Trường.

"The three guest teams are also really good in quality. They all have high rankings in their local championships."

Chinese Sichuan club will arrive in Việt Nam to defend their VTV9 - Bình Điền Cup title.

This year's event will see the Video Challenge Eyes technology applied for the first time to enhance the game’s officiating and ensure that calls will be fair and transparent.

In a press conference in HCM City on April 11, the organisers announced a big bonus of US$48,000. Prizes in cash will be given to the top four, in which the champion will take $15,000. Other teams in the top four will take $10,000, $7,000 and $3,000.

Outstanding players will receive awards for the MVP, best spiker, hitter, setter, libero, "Miss Volleyball”, and player in Vietnamese traditional áo dài (long dress).

A purse of VNĐ1 billion will be used for charity activities during the competition time in Đắk Lắk.

The VTV9 - Bình Điền, first organised in 2006, is a prestigious international competition luring international clubs from different countries.

“The tournament has become one of the most popular volleyball competitions in Việt Nam for many years. However, the pandemic was a force majeure cause, so organisers had to adjust and choose the best time to return," said Đông.

"People's interest and expectation motivate us to bring the tournament back. It will be a good opportunity for Vietnamese players to learn from the international colleagues while the national team members will sharpen skills for upcoming international competitions." VNS