AMMAN, Jordan — Korea was crowned as the new champion of the 2nd AVC Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship, outlasting Chinese Taipei in an epic five-set final, 26-28, 25-21, 25-11, 19-25, 15-13, on Saturday at the Prince Hamzah Sports Hall.
Son Seoyeon, who emerged as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, led Korea to a title success in their debut in the AVC under-16 tournament, unleashing 30 points in the winner-take-all game.
Seoyeon drilled 27 kills and three blocks. But it was a total team effort for the Koreans.
After the Korea team captain broke a 10-10 tie in the fifth set and gave her squad a 13-11 lead, Lee Seoin sent them to match point with a big block on Chan Tzu-Yun before Jang Suin soared for the championship-winning attack to prevail in a thrilling two-hour final.
“The players of Chinese Taipei, they are quicker and faster. Our team worked as one. The result of our unity made us win the championship.” said Son.
After losing the opening set, the Koreans bounced back in the second and played like a well-oiled wrecking machine in the second, mounting an 18-3 start en route to a 14-point win to move to the verge of victory before Chinese Taipei forced a decider.
Suin contributed 20 points in the final. Lee Dayeon had 18 points from 12 kills, five blocks, and an ace, while Park Yeyeong added 13.
“It’s our first time to join the under 16 championship but the result is very great,” said Korea head coach Lee Seungyeo. “I want to keep this success going harder in the future.”
Korea started its campaign with a five-set meltdown to China, but since then it won six straight games including a five-set comeback to dethrone Japan in the semifinal, where Son scored 34.
Chinese Taipei settled for silver in its first AVC U16 final, surpassing its third place finish in 2023.
Chen Ting-Yi led Chinese Taipei with 28 points off 23 spikes, four aces, and a block. Chan had 22 points, while Chang Yun-Chen and Cheng Yung-Y added 13 and 12, respectively.
After an impressive run, newly-crowned Asian U16 champion Korea and Chinese Taipei, China, Japan, and the Philippines begin their road to the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship in Santiago, Chile.
“I want my team to have another great record in Chile World Championship,” said Korea coach Lee.