Nakhon Ratchasima, September 8, 2023 – In a heart-pounding showdown witnessed by an electrified crowd of 5,000, Thailand seized a sensational victory in a five-set thriller, toppling the favored Chinese team at the Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship. With a final scoreline reading 25-21, 25-27, 25-19, 20-25, 16-14, Thailand reigned supreme, marking their first championship win since 2013.
Thai outside hitter, the indomitable Chatchu-On Moksri, etched her name as the leading scorer of the match, amassing an impressive 23 points. The remarkable Ajcharaporn Kongyot and Thatdao Nuekjang were not far behind, contributing 22 and 16 points, respectively. China’s Wu Mingjie valiantly countered with 22 points of her own.
The opening set saw Thailand swiftly establish an early lead, firmly gripping it through a potent display of offense. However, China made their intentions clear in the second set, staging a dramatic comeback to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The third set witnessed China’s towering presence and impenetrable blocking giving them the edge, but Thailand countered this with a strategic shift in their lineup. The fourth set saw China clawing their way back into contention, forcing a decisive fifth set where Thailand ultimately prevailed, securing their hard-fought triumph.
Thailand’s journey to this momentous final included a remarkable upset victory over the five-time champions, Japan, in a nail-biting semifinal clash. China, on the other hand, had sailed undefeated until their gripping encounter with Thailand.
With a record of 13 previous championships under their belt, China entered the match as the most decorated team in the tournament. In contrast, Thailand had previously clinched the title in 2009 and 2013. The battle for the bronze medal unfolded with Japan emerging victorious in a dramatic 3-2 showdown against Vietnam in the third-place playoff match.
In a tournament brimming with breathtaking moments, Thailand’s triumph over China will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of volleyball history as a testament to their resilience and skill.
