Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, June 11, 2022 – In-form Korea pulled off a stunning 25-20, 25-19, 25-19 win against hosts Thailand in their last preliminary Pool A clash of the 14th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship at Nakhon Pathom Sports Center Gymnasium on Saturday.
Following the scintillating win, Korea made a perfect sweep in Pool A with 12 points from four consecutive wins without losing a single set to their respective rivals in the pool plays, while Thailand finished second in the pool with 9 points from 3 wins against one loss. However, both teams finished one-two in Pool A and therefore, advanced to the semifinals of this topflight championship apart from booking their berths to the 2023 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Championship.
Korea, chasing ultimate dreams of winning their unprecedented Asian title in this age group tournament, left the Thai fans disappointed after demolishing the host side in an eagerly-anticipated clash.
In the Sunday’s cross semifinals, Pool A winners Korea, three-time silver medalists in 1997, 2005, 2007, will next challenge Pool B runners-up China, with Pool A runners-up Thailand going up against unbeaten defending champions and Pool B winners Japan.
Against Korea in the crucial match on Saturday to determine the Pool A winners, Thailand mounted a strong challenge, but their all-out effort did not pay its dividends as the Koreans came out at full throttle with the single goal in mind – to win this match.
As expected, the Thai attacks were blunted by the formidable rivals’ amazing power-and-speed tactics and the host team went down in the first set to the well-established counterparts 20-25.
The Thais went to great lengths in the second set, but still failed to make their mark, leaving Korea to seize the opportunity to attack effectively and block solidly for the crucial 25-19 win to stretch it to 2-0.
With Kim Sebeen and Shin Eunji taking turns notching crucial points through their spectacular attacks, the Koreans remained unstoppable in the third set. Despite putting up a brave fight, Thailand found the visitors too hot to handle and after they bagged some points, Korea made short work of the hosts to win the set with the similar margin 25-19 and match.
Kim Sebeen chipped in with 19 points including 14 attacks for Korea, while Kanchana Sisaikaeo led Thailand with 16 points from 15 attacks and one solid block.
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