The Philippines, represented by reigning UAAP men’s champion National University, stunned titleholders Thailand, 30-28, 25-23, 25-19, in the curtain-raiser of the 19th ASEAN University Games men’s volleyball tournament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.
The shock Pool A win virtually sealed the Filipinos’ spot in the semifinals of the five-day event.
The Philippines will play Malaysia in the final day of pool action Wednesday, with the Filipinos eyeing to clinch the number one-ranking in their group.
The Thais ended up with an even 1-1 record following a 25-14, 25-12, 25-21 conquest of the Malaysians, Tuesday.
The six teams were divided into two pools in the round-robin preliminaries. Only top two teams from each group in the preliminaries will advance to cross semis, with Pool A winners taking on Pool B second placers and top-ranked team in Pool B facing Pool A runners-ups.
Pool B comprises of Singapore, Indonesia and host Myanmar. The Burmese swept the Indonesians, 25-18, 25-16, 25-19, in their opener.
The semifinals is set Thursday, while the medal matches will be played on Friday.
Volleyball is one of the 17 sports disciplines being contested in the ASEAN University Games which will last until Friday.
Two years ago in Singapore, Ateneo’s women’s and men’s volleyball teams clinched bronze medals.
