
Zhetysu VC of Kazakhstan throughout the AVC Champions League Closing towards VTV Binh Dien Lengthy of Vietnam. –AVC PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Zhetysu VC of Kazakhstan accomplished an ideal Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League run after beating Vietnam’s VTV Binh Dien Lengthy An, 25-14, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, within the winner-take-all closing on Sunday night time at Philsports Area.
Zhetysu emerged as the most effective Asian membership in Pasig Metropolis after profitable all 5 video games and solely dropping one set in the entire match. It has additionally certified for the FIVB Membership World Championships, and introduced house $20,000.
“We didn’t count on to lose just one set, however we already knew that the Vietnam crew may be very, superb. (From the underside of) my coronary heart, I believed we’re higher,” stated Zhetysu coach Marko Grsic.
“I need to say congratulations to the Vietnam crew. They have been very, superb on this match. I need to say large, large bravo and congratulations to my crew. We gained all video games and we proved within the closing that we have been very courageous. I feel we deserved this title. I’m very happy with my crew.”


Zhetysu VC’s Karina Denysova is the AVC Champions League MVP. –AVC PHOTO
Karina Denysova delivered 23 factors to guide the balanced assault of the Kazakhs, who displayed grace beneath strain after shedding the second set and have been examined in a toe-to-toe duel within the third.
Denysova emerged because the MVP and one of many Greatest Outdoors Hitters after a masterful marketing campaign.
Zhetysu fought again from a 12-15 deficit within the third set, forcing a decent duel down the stretch tied at 23. Vi Thi Nhu Quynh dedicated a pricey assault error that pushed the Kazakhs at set level earlier than Valeriya Yakutina drilled the set-clinching block for a 2-1 benefit.
The Kazakhs pulled away within the fourth with a formidable 19-12 unfold off Yakutina’s block and by no means seemed again to complete a championship story in Pasig Metropolis.
Tatyana Nikitina additionally stepped up with 16 factors, whereas Yakutina drilled six blocks to complete with 12 factors within the gold medal match. Yullia Dymar and Daria Sharhorodska chipped in 9 and eight factors, respectively.
Yakutina was one of many Greatest Center Blockers, whereas Daria Sharhorodska took house the Greatest Setter award.
Vietnamese star Tran Thi Thanh Thuy’s 28-point explosion went for naught. Quynh had 18 factors solely to accept silver and $15,000. Thuy was the Greatest Reverse Spiker, whereas Quynh took the opposite Greatest Outdoors Spiker award. Nguyen Khanh Dang gained the Greatest Libero.
Binh Dien Lengthy nonetheless earned a slot within the membership world championships for reaching the Champions League closing.
Nakhon Ratchasima nabs bronze


Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the AVC Champions League battle for third. –AVC PHOTO
In the meantime, Nakhon Ratchasima captured the bronze after taking down Beijing Baic Motor, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21, 25-19.
After their semifinal loss to Zhetysu simply lower than 24 hours in the past, the Satan Cat bounced again with Greek spiker Eva Chantava delivering a stellar triple-double efficiency of twenty-two factors, 12 wonderful digs, and 13 wonderful receptions.
Anyse Smith had 16 factors and 13 wonderful digs. Sasipapron Janthawisut chimed in with 14 factors, whereas Greatest Center Blocker Tichakorn Boonlert and Kaewkalaya Kamulthala added 10 factors for Nakhon Ratchasima.
“It is a rebranded competitors. I participated final 12 months in Korat, and this looks like a complete new expertise,” stated Nakhon Ratchasima head coach Somchai Donpraiyod. “I really feel so good to be right here and to see the crew’s efficiency.”
Nakhon Ratchasima topped Pool D with a 2-0 report after beating PLDT. The Thai membership knocked out Creamline within the quarterfinals earlier than the semis exit by the hands of the eventual champions.
Baic Motor ended its stint with two straight losses however nonetheless introduced house $5,000.
Shan Lanfeng led the best way with 17 factors. The Chinese language swept Pool C earlier than surviving Petro Gazz in a five-set thriller within the quarterfinals however fell to VTV within the semis.