CANDON, Ilocos Sur — Thailand and Indonesia secured their spots in the crossover semifinals of the 2026 Southeast Asian V Cup first leg after dominant straight-set victories on Thursday at the Candon City Arena here.
Facing a young Myanmar squad with an average age of 20.8 years, Thailand left no room for an upset as Napadet Bhinijdee and Chaiwat Thungkham powered the defending Leg 1 champions to a 25-15, 25-16, 25-19 victory in just 69 minutes, completing a sweep of Pool B.
Bhinijdee finished with 17 points built on 13 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while Thungkham scored 10 points despite seeing action in only two sets, converting 9 of his 13 attack attempts.
“We are happy about the result of these two games. This makes our confidence high for the next round, especially since it’s the semifinals,” said Thungkham after Thailand finished 2-0 in Pool B of the tournament hosted by Candon City Mayor Eric Singson and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Thanat Bamrungphakdi contributed seven points, while Toopadit Phraput, Jakkrit Thanomnoi, and Kiadtiphum Ramsin chipped in four markers each.
Kyaw Aung Myo was the lone Myanmar player to score in double figures with 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks. Thailand also capitalized on Myanmar’s 26 unforced errors.
Meanwhile, Indonesia swept Cambodia, 25-18, 25-18, 25-21, in Pool A to likewise advance to the semifinals despite playing only its first match of the tournament.
The Indonesians opened their campaign with a convincing 77-minute victory over the Cambodians, who stunned Alas Pilipinas in five sets on Wednesday.
Indonesia, which captured the 2026 AVC Men’s Cup title last June, clinched a semifinal berth by earning the full three points from the win, effectively eliminating Cambodia in the event of a three-way tie at 1-1 after the pool phase.
For the Philippines to advance to the semifinals, it must defeat Indonesia on Friday at 5:30 p.m., regardless of the number of sets.
Boy Arabi led Indonesia’s balanced offense with 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks, while captain Farhan Halim added 13 points.
Hendra Kurniawan chipped in 12 points on five attacks, four aces, and three blocks, while Rama Fauzan and Fauzan Nibras contributed eight points each.
Voeurn Veasna, who exploded for 33 points against Alas Pilipinas, led Cambodia once again but was limited to just 10 points.
