Thailand holds off Vietnam for second straight win in SEA Men’s V.League

THAILAND took a while to get into the rhythm but did well enough to remain unscathed in the 2024 Southeast Asian Men’s V.League, edging Vietnam, 27-25, 29-27, 25-15, on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The trio of Thungkham Chaiwat, Nilsawai Kissada, and Bhinijdee Napadet again took charge as the Thais, yet to drop a set in the weekend volleyball spectacle, solidified their bid for the gold after ending up with silver and bronze in two legs last year.

Napadet had 13 points on 11 attacks and two aces as the Thais came up with another huge win, a fitting follow-up to their three-set triumph over pre-tournament favorite Indonesians on Friday's opener.

Surprisingly, the Thais took a little longer getting past the Vietnamese — the match lasting 11 minutes more than their opening win in the four-nation, three-day event hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Eager to get back on track after a loss to Alas Pilipinas on opening day, Nguyen Ngoc Thuan, Pham Van Hiep, and Tran Duy Tuyen again led the way but Vietnam lost steam in the extended first and second sets.

Thailand then got into the groove in the third and sealed the win over the Vietnamese in one hour and 42 minutes, with Kissada notching 12 points and Chaiwat finishing with 11.

Thuan led all scorers, registering 17 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Hiep had 10 points and Tuyen scored eight.

Thailand goes for a sweep when it battles Alas Pilipinas on Sunday, while Vietnam tries to avoid a winless stint when it takes on Indonesia.