Thailand proved its mettle in the deciding fifth set to beat the Philippines, 26-24, 25-27, 21-25, 25-23, 17-15, in the Southeast Asian Men’s Volleyball League (SEA V.League) at the City of Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex here on Friday night. Thai opposite hitter Supakorn Jenthaisong scored 28 points as the AVC Challenge Cup champions claimed victory after 2 hours and 34 minutes. Jakkrit Thanomnoi chipped in 22 points, including two blocks, while Chaiwat Thungkham had eight spikes, two aces and one block. “We are happy to win again,” Thai coach Somboon Nakpung said in a post-match interview. Thailand defeated the Philippines, 25-22, 25-20, 25-20 in the first leg held at the Padepokan Voli Jenderal Polisi Kunarto Gymnasium in Jakarta, Indonesia last week. The Nationals, bannered by Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo and first-leg Best Opposite Hitter awardee Steven Rotter, were hoping to recover from that loss but failed. Bagunas finished with 25 points on 23 hits and two blocks, Espejo made 24 points, and Rotter contributed 14 points and three blocks. Kim Malabunga and Vince Mangulabnan had two service aces apiece. Earlier, Indonesia survived Vietnam, 25-23, 21-25, 25-14, 25-23, to remain perfect after four matches. Dimas Saputra scored 22 points for the Indonesians, who swept the first leg. Thuan Nguyen Ngoc was Vietnam’s best scorer with 16 points and one block. Thailand meets Vietnam at 3 p.m., and the Philippines takes on Indonesia at 6 p.m. on Saturday in the tournament organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara and supported by PLDT, the City of Santa Rosa, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, One Sports and Cignal
Source: Philippines News Agency