THAILAND CROWNED 2024 SEA V. LEAGUE SECOND LEG CHAMPIONS 

The world No.65 make a clean sweep in Yogyakarta with remarkable unbeaten record

Yogyakarta, Indonesia, August 25, 2024 – Thailand underlined their supremacy over the 2024 SEA V. League Second Leg after 3-1 demolition of hosts Indonesia at UNY Sport Complex here on Sunday, as Philippines fought hard to put it past Vietnam for bronze.

The dramatic 25-20, 26-24, 22-25, 28-26 win against world No.54 Indonesia on Sunday gave Thailand a clean sweep in Yogyakarta. The formidable Thais claimed 9 points from three straight wins to finish atop the four-team standing, resulting in the world No.65’s victory with remarkable unbeaten record.

At the last weekend’s first leg at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila, Philippines, Thailand also made their mark to be crowned champions without losing a set to their respective opponents. Following their great success in both first and second legs, Thailand were unstoppable and invincible in the concluded 2024 SEA V. League.

Indonesia, defending and 12-time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games champions, came in second place with 5 points from two wins against one loss. World No.64 Philippines finished third with 2 points from one win against two losses, with world No.55 Vietnam on the bottom fourth place with 2 points from two losses.

Against hosts Indonesia in their last encounter in the single round-robin competition, Thailand fielded a strong lineup which had already beaten the Indonesians in straight sets at the last weekend’s first leg included opposite Napadet Bhinijdee and veteran middle blocker Kissada Nilsawai, both of them landed the respective Best Outside Hitter and MVP at the first leg. Also strengthening the Park Ki-Won-led Thai team comprised hard-attacking Anurak Phanram, Chaiwat Thungkham, middle blocker Anuchit Pakdeekaew and highly-skilled setter Boonyarid Wongtorn.

In front of boisterous 3,000 home fans inside the competition venue, Indonesia shuffled their lineup, resting Yuda Mardiansyah Putra, Fahri Septian Putrama and Hendra Kurniawan in the first set and instead fielded Boy Arnez Arabi, Ahmad Gumilar and Kristoforus Sina. However, they remained strong offensively with the likes of Farhan Halim and Agil Angga Anggara.

Thailand started the opening set stronger and quickly created a 15-11 lead with combination attacks from Anurak, Napadet and Chaiwat. However, Farhan proved a crucial force to be reckoned with as he penetrated the Thai defence with his exceptional attacks and effective blocks to help Indonesia trail closely. Leading commandingly 23-19, Thailand allowed the host side only one more point before Napadet carried out an ace service for the Thailand’s 25-20 win.

Holding a one-set advantage, Thailand continued their good show in the second set with a four-point clear to lead 12-8, but Indonesia clawed their way back to catch up with the Thais at 20-20, thanks to powerful attacks from Boy and sub-in Dawuda Alahimassalam. As Thailand momentarily lost their touch, Indonesia cruised on to win three points in a row to lead 23-20 and reached the set point at 24-21. 

Skipper and left-hander Amornthep Konhan came off the bench during this critical time in the second set to replace hard-attacking Napadet. Amornthep did not let his teammates and Thai fans down as he helped save three consecutive set points for Thailand and they went on their dominant form to incredibly win the hard-fought set 26-24.

With their backs against the wall, Indonesia played more consistently and confidently in the third set, with Farhan and Angga on fire in attack. Both sides were neck and neck until Amornthep fired a powerful spike which helped the score tied at 22-22. Cheered on by the shouting home fans, Indonesia fared better to score three points on the trot to take the third set 25-22, much to the delight of their home fans.

Both sides were locked in a tight contest in the fourth set, which saw leads change hands for many times at the near end of the set. Farhan’s powerful mid-court attack helped Indonesia level it at 25-25, but they went ahead 26-25 after an attack from Amornthep went out wide.

Anurak hammered an off-block kill to tie the score at 26-26 for Thailand. After that, Anurak and Kissada produced a great block to move the team ahead 27-26 before Anurak hit a winner to end the hosts’ challenge 28-26.

Opposite Napadet Bhinijdee chipped in 18 points from 16 kills and 2 aces for Thailand, while Anurak Phanram and Chaiwat Thungkham kept good company to contribute 17 and 12 points respectively. Outside hitter Farhan Halim scored a match-high 23 points from 18 kills, 3 blocks and 2 aces on the Indonesia’s loss.

Indonesia dominated the blocking game, getting 12 stuffs to Thailand’s 8. The host side also did a good job in service with 5 aces to the strong visitors’ 3. Thailand fared better in kills (59 to 55) and also benefitted from opponent errors (31 to 23).

Meanwhile, the Philippines showcased their skill and determination to emerge triumphant in another fiercely fought five-setter 27-25, 14-25, 22-25, 25-21, 15-12 to make the podium for the second straight leg.

The Angiolino Frigoni-led team fought bravely while playing without injured captain Bryan Bagunas, bouncing back from earlier losses to Thailand and Indonesia, to match their podium finish in the first leg in Manila last week.

Outside hitter Michaelo Buddin fired a team-best 24 points on 22 kills, one block and one ace for Philippines. Opposite Lloyd Ramirez and another outside hitter Jade Alex Disquitado also made sure they would leave a strong impression in the international stage with 19 and 16 markers respectively.

Opposite Pham Van Hiep scored a match-high 29 points from 24 kills and 5 blocks for Vietnam, while Nguyen Ngoc Thuan and Tran Duy Tuyen added 18 and 14 points respectively.

National Volleyball Federation of Indonesia (PBVSI) President Imam Sudjarwo and Control Committee President and Technical Delegate Mr Shanrit Wongprasert jointly presided over the awards presentation and closing ceremony. Also in attendance were members of PBVSI including its Secretary General Mr Heyzer Harsono. 

Thailand’s Napadet Bhinijdee wins MVP

Thailand received the Champions’ Trophy, gold medals plus cash prize of US$16,000, while second and third places Indonesia and Philippines took home trophies, silver and bronze medals plus prize money of US$13,000 and US$11,000 respectively. Vietnam, which finished fourth place, also received US$10,000.

POOL RANKING

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

FINAL RANKING

1 Thailand

2 Indonesia

3 Philippines

4  Vietnam

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