Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, August 8, 2022 – Mighty Korea outclassed Hong Kong, China in a completely lop-sided battle 25-11, 25-13, 25-16 to register their first win in Pool A in the 2022 AVC Cup for Men at the Nakhon Pathom Provincial Gymnasium here on Monday.
Korea, led by star spiker Heo Subong, who scored incredible 33 points in their tough match against Australia in the recently-concluded FIVB Challenger Cup, initially showcased their resilience through spectacular blocking by Na Gyeongbok and Park Jinwoo and Heo Subon’s attacks to race to an eight-point lead at 12-4. After that, Na Gyeongbok and Heo Subong took turns tearing the Hong Kong, China’s defence into shreds with their exceptional attacks as the Koreans widened the gap to 23-9 in a totally one-sided affair.
The 197cm-tall Tam Chun Ho Damian fired a thundering attack for Hong Kong, China to help improve the team’s margin 10-24, but shortly after that, Damian erratically carried out a serve to the net, delivering the set point for Korea.
Hong Kong, China saved the day after a serve from Heo Subong also went wide, but their delight did not last long. Leung Ho Yin repeated the same thing when his serve went beyond the Korea’s end line. Korea took the first set with ease 25-11.
The second set was still dominated by the formidable Koreans, who entertained the Thai crowd at the competition venue with their exceptional tactics and splendid combinations to jump to a commanding 18-9 lead. Learning that the set would be another lop-sided win of their team, Korea head coach Im Do Hun replaced their best players and instead fielded substitutions including Hwang Taekeui, Im Donghyeok and Jo Jaesung and they did not let the team down with their performance. Korea snatched the second set 25-13, again effortlessly.
Korea still relied on their substitutions in the third set, which they gained an upper hand initially to lead 10-5. Hong Kong, China also shuffled their line-up in this set, hoping to revive their fortunes. Sub-in Cheung Ngai Yiu and So Chun Hin pounded on off-the-block attacks to help their team narrow the margin 9-13 and 13-20. However, their fightback and standard of play failed to reach great heights when Korea ran away with it through their near-flawless performance, allowing Hong Kong, China only three more points to close out the set 25-16 and match.
Im Donghyeok and Na Gyeongbok scored 9 points apiece for Korea, while Leung Ho Yin led Hong Kong, China with 8 points including one ace.
At the press interview room, Korea head coach Im Do Hun said through team translator that his team actually aimed to make their mark at the recent Challenger Cup on home soil, but after they missed it, they changed their goal. Now, the Koreans have their sights firmly set on winning the AVC Cup for Men here in Nakhon Pathom.
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