AMMAN, Jordan — Defending champion Japan escaped a collapse after surviving the erstwhile-unbeaten Chinese Taipei in five sets, 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 23-25, 15-10, to seal the top seed in the 2nd AVC Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship on Thursday at the Prince Hamzah Sports Hall here.
The Japanese were on the brink of defeat after blowing a two-set lead, with Chen Ting-Yi leading Chinese Taipei’s comeback with 26 ponts. But Miko Takahashi and Ren Sugimoto came to the rescue to keep their team unbeaten heading to the Final Four.
Takahashi stepped up when it mattered most with 20 points, while Sugimoto scored five of her 15 points to give Japan a 13-10 lead before Takahashi sent the team to match point, followed by Reina Nakagawa’s match-winning hit.
“We had a lot of mistakes that we need to fix we need to improve our play. But I would like to focus on having a positive mind,” said Takahashi.
Japan battles the second place of Pool E in a knockout semifinal on Friday, Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, battles the top seed of the other group.
Nakagawa delivered 13 points for Japan, while Kana Mizuno and Rina Hayasaka were also instrumental with 11 points each.
Chen fired 24 kills, one block, and an ace only for Chinese Taipei to absorb its first defeat of the tournament. Chan Tzu-Yun contributed 18 points, as Chang Yun-Chen added 13.
Meanwhile, Thailand held off a determined Philippines with a come-from-behind 25-23, 15-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-8, to secure the third place of Pool F heading to the classification round for 5th to 8th places.
Thailand trailed early in the fifth set, 6-4, but rallied with a six-point run sparked by Chayanut Inthanoo and Umarin Kaewkalong, taking an 11-6 lead. Phitchayada Kunrat delivered two key kills, and Paphanan Phimphakhan finished the match with a block on Nadeth Herbon.
Umarin led Thailand with 23 points, while Natacha Thongkham and Phitchayada added 15 and 13 points, respectively. Chamikon Cankawe contributed 11.
“The Philippines and Thailand play at the same level, so it was difficult,” Umarin said as they overcame Xyz Rayco’s 25-point effort for Alas.
Thailand secured third place in Pool F and will face the fourth-place team from Pool E in the 5th–8th classification crossover round.