Alas Pilipinas Men remained winless in the 2025 AVC Nations Cup after suffering a straight-sets defeat at the hands of a vengeful Thailand squad, 21-25, 20-25, 18-25, in the 9th–11th classification phase held early Saturday morning (Manila time) at the Isa Bin Rashid Hall in Manama, Bahrain.
The Thais made sure to exact revenge after their heartbreaking five-set loss to the Philippines last June 12 during the Alas Invitational at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where they fell, 25-21, 21-25, 22-25, 25-21, 12-15.
There was no letdown from Thailand this time, as they kept their foot on the gas from the opening serve to the final whistle.
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With a slim 16-14 lead midway through the second set, Thailand pulled away with a blistering 7-2 run powered by Nilsawai Kissadam, Thungkham Chaiwat, Phanram Anurak, and Ramsin Kiadtiphum to move one set closer to a sweep.
The Thais continued their dominance in the third frame, quickly building a 10-5 lead.
Khonhan Amornthep then took over, closing out the match with a decisive scoring spree that included a match-clinching service ace. The contest lasted just one hour and 20 minutes.
Despite constant adjustments from head coach Angiolino Frigoni, no Filipino player reached double digits in scoring.
Michaelo Buddin led the team with eight points, while Louie Ramirez and Peng Taguibolos added six apiece. Opposite hitters Leo Ordiales and Steven Rotter chipped in five each.
Costly errors once again hampered the Philippine side, handing 26 free points to their opponents.
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The national team will have one last chance to salvage a win when they face New Zealand on Tuesday at 5:00 PM (Manila time).
In contrast, three Thai players reached double digits.
Amornthep led all scorers with 14 points, including 12 kills on 23 attempts and two service aces.
Anurak and Chaiwat followed with 12 points each, both converting 11 of 22 attack attempts.
