Korea’s Go Yerim spikes against Thailand’s Pimpichaya Kokram and Jarasporn Bundasak
Manila, Philippines, May 3, 2015 – Iran, China, Japan and Thailand claimed top spots in their pools in the Rebisco U23 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship powered by PLDT Home and Smart Live More at the PSC Philsports Arena on Sunday.
In Pool A, Iran endured a five-set thriller with Kazakhstan but won 3-2 (25-20, 18-25, 25-19, 14-25, 15-13). Iran made a successful run and immobilised Kazakhstan in the late stretch to close the deciding set in their favour. Neda Chamlanian, Mina Roosta, Mahsa Kadkhoda and Mahsa Saberi tallied 61 out of the 97 points of Iran. Kazakhstan’s Ardak Maratova topped all scorers with 20 points.
China conquered Pool B after securing a win against Macau in straight sets (25-12, 25-13, 25-11). The world champions asserted their superiority over their East Asian neighbours Macau by limiting the latter’s offence, while their players had a field day in scoring.
After falling to Japan on the second day, Chinese Taipei recovered to defeat Maldives 3-0 (25-8, 25-8, 25-4) in Pool C. Chinese Taipei’s victory over Maldives was played in under an hour, restraining their opponents from producing points in attack. Japan took the lead with two victories in Pool C.
Thailand needed five sets to overcome Korea 3-2 (25-18, 25-17, 22-25, 20-25, 15-11) in Pool D. Thailand started strong by winning the first two sets but the Koreans did not give up, claiming the next two sets to force a tiebreaker. Thailand played well at the net with a total of 14 blocks, with Hattaya Bamgrungsuk leading the charge. Korea, on the other hand, had more attacks and aces but their errors allowed Thailand to seal victory in the final set.
SUNDAY'S POOL RESULTS
Pool A: Iran b Kazakhstan 3-2 (25-20 18-25 25-19 14-25 15-13)
Pool B: China b Macau 3-0 (25-12 25-13 25-11)
Pool C: Chinese Taipei b Maldives 3-0 (25-8 25-8 25-4)
Pool D: Thailand b Korea 3-2 (25-18 25-17 22-25 20-25 15-11)
MONDAY'S SCHEDULE (all local times)
10.00am: 9th-12th Playoff: Kazakhstan v Maldives
12.00pm: 1st-8th Playoff: Iran v Chinese Taipei
14.00pm: 1st-8th Playoff: China v Korea
16.15pm: 1st-8th Playoff: Japan v Philippines
19.00pm: 1st-8th Playoff: Thailand v India