Ninh Binh, Vietnam, August 9, 2025 – Thailand and Vietnam swept past their respective opponents on Saturday to set the stage for a high-voltage final-day showdown at the 5th SEA V League Women’s Week 2, with the title on the line at the Ninh Binh Provincial Gymnasium on Sunday.
Current world No.21 Thailand, chasing their ninth consecutive SEA V League crown since the tournament’s inception in 2019, carved out a gritty 3-1 (25-22, 25-17, 24-26, 25-16) win over the Philippines. Hosts Vietnam, reigning AVC Nations Cup champions and ranked just one spot lower at No.22, proved too strong for Indonesia in a 25-20, 25-19, 25-20 straight-sets triumph.
With both sides unbeaten in Week 2, Sunday’s encounter promises to be a “winner-takes-all” classic. The victors will be crowned champions without dropping a single match in the three-day event, while winless Philippines and Indonesia will fight for bronze earlier in the day.
On Saturday, the Philippines once again fell short against Thailand, echoing the storyline of Week 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima where they also bowed to both Thailand and Vietnam. However, showing their marked improvement, the Filipinas showed flashes of brilliance, managing to snatch a set from the defending champions and pushing them to raise their game.
Down 17-21 in the third set, the Philippines rallied with three unanswered points capped by a Mhicaela Belen kill. Madeleine Yrenea Madayag and Shaina Marie Nitura then combined to block Pimpichaya Kokram, earning the first set point at 24-23. Thailand drew level on a back-row strike from Sasipapron Janthawisut, but Angel Anne Canino stepped up in crunch time, delivering the final two points to force a fourth set.
That only seemed to wake the Thai giants. After Nitura’s right-wing kill kept the fourth set tight at 8-7, Thailand shifted into top gear. Pimpichaya’s service ace sparked a run to a 21-12 cushion, Wimonrat Thanapan’s running attack pushed it to 23-15, and Chatchu-on Moksri’s left-side missile brought up match point. Middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang then pounced on an overpass to seal the victory.
“I’m not struggling with injury, it’s about finding my attacking and blocking rhythm after being away from the team for a while,” Chatchu-on said post-match.
“Against Vietnam and their passionate home crowd, I want to give my all, take the lead, and raise our game to another level.”
Earlier, Vietnam kept their perfect record intact with a clinical win over Indonesia, powered by the offensive trio of Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen, and middle blocker Tran Thi Bich Thuy. After racing to a 17-11 lead in the opener, Vietnam fended off a late surge from Megawati to close out the set 25-20.
Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet then shuffled his lineup in the second set, introducing Le Thanh Thuy, Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh, Pham Thi Hien, and Vi Thi Nhu Quynh. The fresh legs maintained the home side’s dominance, sealing the set 25-19.
The third set saw Vi Thi Nhu Quynh on fire, piercing Indonesia’s blocks with relentless power. Vietnam held match point at 24-18, Indonesia clawed back two, but Vi put the exclamation point on the win with another thundering hit.
Sunday’s schedule sees the Philippines and Indonesia clash for bronze at 16:00 local time, before the much-anticipated gold-medal rematch between Vietnam and Thailand at 19:00. A Thai win would stretch their unbeaten SEA V League streak to nine editions, but if Vietnam can turn the tables, it would mark their first-ever victory over their long-time rivals, a result that would surely send the Ninh Binh crowd into raptures.
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