Thailand came up with a rousing start in the 2024 Southeast Asian Volleyball League, beating two-time champion Indonesia, 25-21, 25-23, 25-20, Friday, Aug. 16, in the opening match on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Eyeing the top spot this time after settling for a silver and a bronze in two legs last year, Thailand came out with all guns blazing and seized a crucial victory on the first day of the three-day tournament.
Thungkham Chaiwat led the way for the Thais with 13 points on nine attacks, three blocks and a service ace in the opener of the four-nation, three-day event hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara..
Although Indonesia brought serious firepower in 24-year-old opposite hitter Anggara Agil Angga, the squad looked uncharacteristically sluggish, with Kurniawan Hendra and Putrama Fahri Septian having some trouble getting through the Thai net defense.
Six-foot-8 middle blocker Nilsawai Kissada came up with four of the Thais’ 14 blocks, while Chaiwat had three.
Kissada finished with 11 points, same as the output of Bhinijdee Napadet.
Angga led the scorers with 18 on 15 attacks, two aces and a block for Indonesia, which swept the two legs in 2003.
Hendra wound up with seven points and Fahri six.
Thailand looks to make it back-to-back wins when it takes on Vietnam on Saturday. Indonesia, meanwhile, tries to get its bid for another leg title on track when it battles the Philippines.
