Day 2 Wrap Up
Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, June 25, 2022 – India and hosts Thailand pulled off convincing straight-set wins against their respective rivals Uzbekistan and Singapore to remain undefeated at the “21st Princess Cup” 3rd AVC Women’s Volleyball Challenge Cup at Nakhon Pathom Sports Centre Gymnasium on Saturday.
Fresh from a fantastic comeback 3-2 win against Uzbekistan on Friday, Malaysia, powered by the 184cm instrumental captain Low Mei Cing, tried hard to repeat the similar feat against Hong Kong, China in their second encounter of the single round-robin tournament, but had to leave the competition site disappointed after succumbing to straight-set defeat to the Hong Kong girls.
Hong Kong, China, which went down to the host side in straight sets on Friday, hoped high to revive their fortunes in their Saturday’s match against Malaysia and their target could well be within their reach when they saw off the fighting opponents in hard-fought three-setter 25-18, 25-16, 30-28.
Low Mei Cing, who is presently studying in Chinese Taipei, scored a match-high 19 points, but her attempt was not enough to boost Malaysia’s efficiency and effectiveness. Chim Wing Lam chipped in with 15 points from 14 attacks and one ace to help Hong Kong, China put it past the rivals in straight sets in this match.
The second clash saw India remain on course in the six-day tournament. After 3-0 demolition of Singapore on the opening day, the Indians proved their cut above Uzbekistan to beat the unfancied rivals with a dominant 3-0 (25-16, 25-13, 25-16) win.
Soorya S. and Anushree K.P, both of them scored 15 points apiece, steered India to the exceptional win, while Khodisakhon Toshkenboeva was the team’s mainstay to contribute 11 points for Uzbekistan.
In the last match of the day, the Thailand Women’s U20 squad entertained a partisan crowd of about 1,000 fans inside the venue with their dazzling performance including powerful attacks from Pinyada Thopo and Achirayaphorn Kumjaiboon.
Despite a gallant fight from Singapore, with coach Sunthorn Phoseeta from Thailand roaring on his players from courtside, Thailand continued their onslaughts to puncture the rivals’ defence into shreds with devastating attacks. As expected, Pinyada and Achirayaphorn lifted Thailand to 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-13) whitewash against the Singaporeans.
Pinyada Thopo, top scorer in the match, said, “Due to unexpected situations, my teammates and I were not well-prepared for this match. Therefore, everyone helped each other while playing this match, even outside hitter Donphon Sinpho had to become the setter. However, regarding my performance, I was satisfied with it. I don’t know who will be in the starting lineup in our next match, but if receiving an opportunity, I will do my best.”
After two days, India and Thailand are the only two teams undefeated and without losing a single set to bag 6 points apiece, but the former fared better on the points ratio to stay atop the six-team standing. The host side finished close second. Hong Kong, China moved up to the third position with 3 points from one win against one loss, while Malaysia came in fourth place with 2 points from one win against one loss. Uzbekistan and Singapore lost both matches to finish fifth and sixth places respectively.
On Sunday, Malaysia will go up against India, Singapore take on Hong Kong, China and Uzbekistan challenge Thailand. Monday will be a rest day. The single round-robin event resumes on Tuesday, while Wednesday will be the final day to determine the eventual winners of the 21st Princess Cup and the 3rd AVC Women’s Challenge Cup.
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