Gresik, East Java, Indonesia, June 24, 2023 – It will be an all-Southeast Asian showdown as hosts Indonesia and Vietnam face off in the finale of 2023 AVC Challenge Cup for Women.
The final two teams contending the title were confirmed upon completion of the semi-final phase on Saturday evening at the Tri Dharma Petrokimia Gresik Gymnasium.
Home team Indonesia were first to book the finals slot after a thrilling tie-break triumph, 3-2 (22-25, 26-24, 22-25, 25-20, 15-12) over Chinese Taipei. Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi unleashed an astounding 39-point output and provided leadership, wisdom, and crucial points in many clutch plays that marked the five-set thriller.
Indonesia coach M. Alim Suseno remarked “We have never won before against Chinese Taipei. They are a really good team, but today, we were the better team.”
Suseno also provided clear instructions to the team, that needed to play against a fast team.
“Coach told us to just play quietly,” said Megawati, whose massive haul spoke volumes amidst the roaring home crowd.
Vietnam later booked their slot into the finale after a straight-sets win, 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-21) over India.
Vietnam Captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy remained unfazed in having to face the home team for the championship match.
“I think it will not be a problem if we just keep our focus. I usually tell my teammates to just play their best and enjoy every moment,” she said.
Meanwhile, Iran ignited a straight-set win, 3-0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-16) against Philippines for the right to play in the 5th-6th final. Mahsa Kadkhoda (18 points), Ashofteh Mona (15 points), and Amini Fatemeh (12 points) posted powerful double-digit performances, proving their reliability in both attack and block defense.
Australia enjoyed back-to-back wins after 3-1 match (25-21, 17, 25, 28-26, 25-19) against Uzbekistan. Emma Burton (22 points), Tara Inskip (16 points) and Caitlin Whincup (11 points) scored double-digit markers in the match that earned Australia the right to play in the 5th-6th final.
In Saturday’s opening match, Mongolia completed their bid in the competition by capturing their first win with a 3-0 match (25-9, 25-11, 25-14) on Macau, China. Gantogtokh Khandsuren led with 12 points in the victory that was marked by Mongolia’s dominance in all scoring fields: 36 attacks, 9 blocks, 7 service winners.
The winning team in Sunday’s finale will qualify directly for the FIVB Challenger Cup (scheduled in July 2023), which is the promotion platform for the 2024 edition of Volleyball Nations League.
Match Schedule
June 25, 2023 (Sunday)
Macau, China – Hong Kong, China 09:00
Uzbekistan- Philippines 11:30
Australia – Iran 14:00
Chinese Taipei – India 16:30
Indonesia – Vietnam 19:00
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