*This content was translated by AI.
The South Korean men's Bae Gu (CEO) team has overcome China and advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship.
Led by coach Isanaye Ramirez, South Korea secured a comeback victory over China in the quarterfinal tournament of the 2026 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship held at Kitakyushu Municipal Comprehensive Gymnasium in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, on the 10th, with a set score of 3-1 (17-25, 25-21, 25-22, 29-27).
Having defeated China, who were expected to be at a clear disadvantage, South Korea will face the winner of the match between Japan and India on the 11th in the semifinals.
This tournament carries great significance: the champion earns qualification for the 2028 LA Olympics, while teams finishing first through third advance to next year's International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World Cup (formerly known as the World Championship). Although reaching the semifinals was the initial goal, the team now aims even higher.
Outside hitters Heo Su-bong (Hyundai Capital) and opposite spiker Lim Dong-hyuk (Korean Air) dominated from both sides, each exploding for 21 points to drive the team's offense in tandem.
Middle blocker Lee Sang-hyun (Woori Card) also contributed 14 points, including two blocks, while outside hitter Im Sung-jin (KB Insurance) supported with three blocks and 11 points.
In the first set, South Korea played an evenly matched game until mid-set but then conceded consecutive points and fell behind, ultimately losing 17-25.
They then launched a counterattack. At 19-19, Cha Young-seok (KB Insurance) scored with a quick attack, followed by Im Sung-jin's service ace and Lim Dong-hyuk's spike, extending the lead. Heo Su-bong's point and Lee Sang-hyun's quick attack then tied the score again.
In the third set, Lee Sang-hyun's quick attack proved effective based on setter Han Tae-jun (Woori Card)'s smart game management early in the set, while Cha Young-seok's blocks added strength, allowing South Korea to take the lead and secure the third set as well.
The national team carried the momentum into the fourth set, but China did not yield easily. At 21-21, Lim Dong-hyuk's attack was initially ruled out, but after video review, it was overturned due to an opponent's antenna touch fault, awarding South Korea the point. However, amid intense back-and-forth exchanges, the match headed toward a decisive tiebreaker.
Down 25-24 after consecutive errors, South Korea faced a crisis, but Im Sung-jin tied the score again. At 27-27, Lim Dong-hyuk's successful block followed by an opponent's attack error sealed the victory for South Korea.
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*This content was translated by AI.
