Taipei, Chinese Taipei, April 22, 2019 – Thailand’s Est Cola fielded substitutions, most of them are playing in the U23 squad, to thrash unfancied Club Singapore in a totally one-sided battle 25-14 25-13 25-14 in their last 9th-14th playoff match at the 2019 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship at the University of Taipei (Tianmu) Gymnasium on Monday.
Left-hander Pusit Phonarin chipped in with 15 points for Est Cola, all of which came from spectacular attacks, while Anut Promchan and Kittithad Nuwaddee contributed 12 and 10 points respectively. Teddy Teo Zi Hao led Club Singapore with 8 points including 7 kills from 27 attempts.
Est Cola, which pulled off a stunning 3-1 victory over formidable TNC Kazchrome VC from Kazakhstan in their pool play two days ago, got off to a superb start as Pusit and Kittithad were the driving force for the team to hand Est Cola crucial points through their immense skill and fine attacks. Taking an early 11-6 lead, Est Cola widened the margin to 21-13 and allowed the lower-ranked rivals one more point to wrap up the opening set without much effort 25-14.
The Thai steam still gained the upper hand in the second set, where Pusit let loose exceptional spikes and Kittithad and Aekkawee Bangsri combined well for solid blocks. Holding a 17-12 advantage, Est Cola took total control of the game, overpowering the smaller blockers with their attacks and great serves to take the easy second set 25-13.
Est Cola went on a run of five points to regain control in the third set, where Club Singapore tried to rally back. Teddy Teo Zi Hao and Chew Min Feng scored some points for the team before the Thai counterparts roared back to stay 12-point clear at 21-9. Club Singapore gathered their courage, hoping for a comeback, but their intention was in vain. The That team went on their fine form to win the set 25-14 and match.
“We fielded most players from the U23 squad in this match just to allow them chances to play and sharpen their skills in this tournament. I think they played well. Due to the different standards, we had no pressure taking on the Singaporeans in this match. A few players among them can join the senior national team in the near future,” Est Cola’s head coach Monchai Supajirakul commented.
“As far as I’m concerned, this is a major tournament, where strong teams joined the competition. It’s a pity we did not have potential players like Amornthep Konhan and Kantapat Koonmee with us. If not, I think we can make a good fight with any team. From now, we try to play our best in the remaining matches,” he added.
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