Ajcharaporn Kongyot leads Thailand to the semi-finals at the SEA Games 2023 as Alyssa Valdez return fails to lift Philippines past Vietnam

Thailand – led by their star player Ajcharaporn Kongyot – qualified for the semi-finals of women’s indoor volleyball at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games by overcoming Myanmar in straight sets of (25-8, 25-8, 25-6) on Wednesday (10 May) at the Indoor Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh.

This comfortable Group A victory ensured Thailand‘s qualification for the semi-finals on 13 May ahead of the finals on the following day. The Turkish-based player was content with the easy win as her team looks to win the SEA Games for the 14th time in a row.

“The level at the SEA Games is not easy any more. Especially Vietnam, who are now very strong, and we have to see how it is when we face them. The others too have raised their leave,” said Thailand’s experienced outside hitter who is expected to play a leading role for her team in the Volleyball Nations League 2023.

“This is actually very good preparation for us ahead of the Volleyball Nations League.”

Despite the presence of their seasoned captain, Alyssa Valdez, the Philippines were unable to overcome a resolute Vietnam in their closely contested Group B match.

The 2022 runners-up Vietnam defeated the Filipinas in straight sets (25-20, 25-17,25-19) for their second straight victory after beating Singapore on Tuesday, when Thailand overcame Indonesia.

Valdez, who is still recovering from a right knee injury, sat out of their opener which her team convincingly won against Cambodia.

SEA Games 2023 volleyball preliminary results – Wednesday 10 May

Group A

Thailand beat Myanmar 3-0 – 25-8, 25-8, 25-6

Indonesia beat Malaysia 3-0 (25-12, 25-9, 25-12)

Group B

Philippines beat Vietnam 3-0 – 25-20, 25-17, 25-19