“Yamamoto Ryu replaces Han Seon-su, Ketzinski erupts for 24 points” Title contender Korean Air defeats OK Savings Bank to extend winning streak to two [Yeosu on-site review]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

It was a performance befitting a title contender. Even after deploying Yamamoto Ryu (registered name: Ryu) in place of legendary setter Han Seon-su, the team secured an easy victory.

Korean Air defeated Busan OK Savings Bank 3-1 (25-20, 16-25, 25-20, 25-20) in set score on the 20th at Yeosu Jinnam Gymnasium in Group A’s second match of the 2026 Yeosu·NH Nonghyup Cup Pro Volleyball Tournament (KOVO Cup).

Korean Air, which had defeated Daejeon Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance in its first match the previous day, smiled as it pursued a two-game winning streak befitting the defending champion. On the other hand, OK Savings Bank, which had lost to Cheonan Hyundai Capital in a tight five-set battle the previous day, fell into a two-game losing streak.

Korean Air started with Asian quota setter Ryu instead of Han Seon-su on this day. Outside hitters Zander Ketzinski (registered name: Ketzinski), Jung Ji-seok, and Jeong Han-yong were deployed simultaneously, while middle blockers Kim Min-jae and Choi Jun-hyeok took the court. Lee Sang-wook and Kim Sun-ho served as liberos.

Meanwhile, OK Savings Bank sent out rookie setter Kim Dae-hwan again, following the previous day’s match. Kyle Russell (registered name: Russell), a former Korean Air player, started as opposite spiker, while Jung Kyung-ho and Jeon Gwang-in played outside hitter. Asian quota middle blocker Mehran Peyjehmamdoust (registered name: Peize) and Park Chang-seong also took the court. Jeong Seong-hyeon and Kim Do-hoon appeared as liberos.

In the first set, Korean Air took the lead with Ketzinski’s back attack in a 6-6 situation and maintained its advantage thereafter. In a situation where they led 19-17, Asian quota setter Yamamoto Ryu created a brilliant moment. After Russell’s dig, Jung Kyung-ho’s long set came over immediately, and after Choi Jun-hyeok’s stable dig, Ryu leaped up and boldly chose a spike instead of a toss, catching the opponent off guard.

From 22-20, following Jung Ji-seok’s back attack and Ketzinski’s open attack, Jung Ji-seok closed it out to finish the first set.

In the second set, OK Savings Bank launched a counterattack. Despite a reception efficiency of only 18.18%, Russell and Peize executed high-quality attacks. They scored 7 points and 5 points respectively, with success rates reaching 87.5% and 66.7%. Peize also recorded two blocks, tying the match score.

In the third set, Korean Air regained its strength. In a situation where they were tied at 11-11, Korean Air gained the upper hand with Jeong Han-yong’s quick open and an opponent error, and held onto the lead to take the third set. Ketzinski alone hammered in 10 points, shaking up OK Savings Bank’s defensive line.

The fourth set flowed tightly. Differences in concentration near the end of the game changed the momentum. In a situation where they led 18-16, after Jung Kyung-ho’s serve went out of bounds, Choi Jun-hyeok blocked Cha Ji-hwan’s attack, extending the lead to 20-16.

OK Savings Bank closed the gap to two points again after Peize successfully executed consecutive quick attacks and Cha Ji-hwan’s quick open landed. However, there was no reversal. Near the end, Park Chang-seong and Russell’s attacks landed consecutively, securing victory for Korean Air.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original