Thailand asserted its net dominance to overpower South Korea’s Hyundai Capital Skywalkers in four sets, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, 25-21, in the opening match of the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals on Tuesday, June 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Net defense leads Thailand’s control over Skywalkers

Khonhan Amornthep led the Thai squad with 19 points, including four of the team’s 14 block points. The Thais outblocked their Korean counterparts 14-4 in a match that lasted one hour and 50 minutes, hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

Anurak Phanram added 15 points on 11 attacks, two aces, and two blocks, while Kissada Nilsawai scored 13 with nine attacks, three blocks, and one ace. Chaiwat Thungkham also delivered 12 points, mostly from attacks.

Though both teams tallied 49 attack points, and Hyundai Capital outperformed slightly in service aces (9-7), it was Thailand’s blocking efficiency that defined the outcome.

Koreans led by Lee Seung Jun’s 25-point performance

Hyundai Capital’s Lee Seung Jun finished with 25 points, 22 coming off attacks. Teammate Lee Jae Hyun added 17 points, including two blocks and two aces. However, the Koreans could not break through Thailand’s structured defensive wall.

Thailand’s convincing win boosts its confidence in the multi-nation Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament.