'Showed late strength...' but couldn't overcome the fifth set: Korean men's volleyball loses in a five-set thriller to Thailand

*This content was translated by AI.

The South Korean Nam Ja-bae-gu (CEO) team, led by coach Isanaye Ramirez (world ranking 25th), lost to Thailand (ranking 52nd).

On the 7th, at the Kitakyushu Municipal Gymnasium in Japan, Korea fell to Thailand with a final set score of 2-3 (18-25, 16-25, 25-20, 25-22, 12-15) in a tight five-set match during the second group stage C pool game of the 2026 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship.

In the early stages of the match, Korea's reception was severely shaken by Thailand's powerful serves, leading to a lifeless loss of the first two sets. However, after introducing setter Hwang Seung-bin in the third set, the team found an opening for its offense. Riding this momentum, Korea won the third and fourth sets consecutively to reset the match, but in the decisive fifth set at 12-13, a series of critical offensive errors and blocked attacks led to a final loss of 12-15.

Heo Su-bong (Hyundai Capital) scored 25 points including two service aces, and Lim Dong-hyuk (Korean Air) added 14 points in a strong performance, but the decisive factor was Korea's significant deficit in team blocks, losing 4-13 to Thailand.

Following their victory over Taiwan in the first round (3-1), Korea finished with one win and one loss (4 points), securing second place in Pool C.

Korea will face Qatar (ranking 38th) in the final group stage match on the afternoon of the 8th at 1:30 p.m. The tournament winner will earn a spot in the 2028 LA Olympics, while teams finishing first through third will qualify for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup.

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*This content was translated by AI.