Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, July 8, 2016 – In-form Thailand stamped their authority over the 19th South East Asian (SEA) Men’s U20 Volleyball Championship after pulling off a sensational straight-set 28-26 25-22 25-18 victory over Myanmar A in the final showdown at Wunna Theikdi Gymnasium in Nay Pyi Taw on July 6.

Thailand, which have yet lost a single match to their respective rivals, fielded a strong starting lineup in the thrilling clash against the host side. They comprised Anut Promchan, Pusit Phohnarin, Chatmongkhon Pakantakaeo, Kiting Suksala, Kantapat Koonmee and Boonyarid Wongtorn, while Myanmar A were strengthened by Aung Nay Lin, Maung Toe Min and Oo Min Thein.

Myanmar started strongly, with Aung Nay Lin puncturing the Thai defence with his spectacular spikes to put the host side in front  17-14. However, region powerhouses Thailand gradually pulled their game together and hit back with thundering attacks from Anut Promchan and Pusit Phohnarin. The score was tied at 24-24. Hosts Myanmar, cheered on by home supporters, fought hard, but the final assault saw the Thais fare better to win the hard-fought set 26-24.

The second set remain the similar fashion when both teams came all out to win the set. The lead changed hands for several times before Thailand started to play cool. Pusit combined well with Anut to overcome the hosts’ blockers with deceptive drops and cross-court attacks to help the team win the set 25-22.

In the third set, Myanmar played well to lead 15-12 initially before Thailand found their rhythm to storm back with powerful jump serves from Boonyarid Wongtorn and Pusit and solid blocking from hatmongkhon and Kitipong. Thailand captured the set 25-18 and the championship.

Meanwhile, Indonesia struggled hard to beat Myanmar B in dramatic four sets to take the third place. The Indonesians spent gruelling 105 minutes to beat the host side 26-24 24-26 25-20 27-25. Okky Damar Sauptra scored a team-high 16 points including 11 kills from 24 attempts, assisted by Doni Haryono, who had 12 kills. Zulefi Hernanda scored five points from blocks, while Okky Damar Saputra fared well in serving to hand Indonesia three service points. Kyaw Hlaing Wai top scored with 19 points including 13 kills from 25 attempts. He also led in blocking with four points.

In the semi-finals earlier, Thailand proved too strong for Indonesia to rout the rivals in straight sets 25-15 25-18 25-21, while Myanmar A also proved their superior over Myanmar B after powering past the compatriots 25-18 25-21 25-17.

New Zealand took the fifth place after outclassing Maldives in straight sets 25-12 25-17 25-16; while Singapore claimed the seventh and last spot of the tournament.

In the awards presentation, Thailand received the Championship trophy, second and third places Myanmar A and Indonesia also received trophies. Thailand’s Kantapat Koonmee took the Most Valuable Player award.

Wednesday’s final results

Third-place playoff: Indonesia b Myanmar B 3-1 (26-24 24-26 25-20 27-25)

Championship match: Thailand b Myanmar A 3-0 (28-26 25-22 25-18)

TEAM RANKINGS

1. Thailand

2. Myanmar A

3. Indonesia

4. Myanmar B

5. Singapore

6. New Zealand

7. Maldives