Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, August 8, 2024 – Anticipation surges as the stage is now set for the action-packed Second Leg of the 4th SEA V. League between August 9 and 11 at the 5,000-seater Chartchai Hall here, with Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and hosts Thailand back to revive their fortunes in the three-day tournament.
At the last weekend’s First Leg at Vinh Phuc Gymnasium in Vietnam, Thailand, current world No.14 and perennial Southeast Asian (SEA) Games champions, put it past hosts and long-time archrivals Vietnam in epic tie-breaker in their last encounter in Vinh Phuc.
After three days of the single round-robin competition, Thailand finished atop the four-team standing with 8 points from three straight wins, followed by Vietnam with 7 points from two wins against one loss. Philippines came in third position with 3 points from one win against two losses, with winless Indonesia on the bottom fourth place with no point earned.
As a result, Thailand stamped their authority over the First Leg campaign, while Vietnam, which went down to Thailand in hotly-contested five sets 18-25, 29-27, 25-23, 21-25, 13-15, finished second place overall. The solid performance had moved Vietnam a step closer to beating Thailand for the first time in history since they first met at the 2001 SEA Games final.
The four participating teams will undoubtedly want to forget what has been a disappointing performance and mistakes they had made in their First Leg matches in Vinh Phuc and has their sights firmly set on coming up with improved performances and better results in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Regarding the three-day competition in Nakhon Ratchasima, as the above-mentioned four participating teams will vie for top honour in the SEA V. League Second Leg, another three teams featuring Singapore, Malaysia and local club team Nakhon Ratchasima VC will contest the Pre-SEA V. League, a tune-up tournament which will give them a chance to sharpen their skills, learn tactics and techniques as well as share their knowledge and strengthen cordial relationship among the participating teams. However, the match results of the three teams in the Pre-SEA V. League will not be taken into consideration for ranking and classification as competed in the SEA V. League Second Leg.
The General Technical Meeting was conducted on Thursday in Meeting Room at Sima Thani Hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima, with team managers and staff coaches from all teams participating in the Pre SEA V. League and SEA V. League attending to hear the rules and regulations and the Video Challenge System.
Nakhon Ratchasima Vice Governor Mr Vichit Kitvirat presided over the General Technical Meeting to deliver a welcome speech to all participating teams, referees and Control Committee Members, wishing them a nice stay in the city and the very best of luck in the competition. Also in attendance was Mr Nattapong Kesapan, Secretary General of Thailand Volleyball Association.
During the meeting, Control Committee Chairman and Technical Delegate Mr Raditia Darwis from Indonesia informed all participating teams necessary matters including eligibility of players and officials, position of team statisticians and video cameras.
Referee Delegate Mr Jirachai Kasemsook from Thailand reported on the Rules of the Game to be applied, discipline on the court, match protocol and Video Challenge System.
Medical Delegate Dr Rueangsak Siriphol informed the participating teams of the relevant medical issues.
Shortly after the General Technical Meeting on Thursday, a welcome dinner was held for all participating teams, Control Committee Members and referees.
The Opening Ceremony also took place on the same occasion.
Nakhon Ratchasima Vice Governor Mr Vichit presented souvenirs to Control Committee Members and referees, while souvenirs and appreciation plaques were presented to representatives from each participating team.
On Friday, the opening day of competition in Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Ratchasima VC will take on Malaysia in the Pre-SEA V. League at 11.30am local time, while the first match of the SEA V. League Second Leg will kick off at 3pm between Indonesia and Vietnam. Philippines will challenge hosts Thailand in the second match at 6pm.
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