Facing the higher-ranked opponents, Thanh Thuy and her teammates made a positive start but could not maintain the early contest as China gradually took control.

The two teams traded points at times in the opening set. Vietnam produced several effective attacks, but China quickly stepped up the pressure with strong serving, organised attacks and blocking. The Chinese side built a growing lead before taking the set 25-16.

In the second set, China’s attackers continued to put pressure on Vietnam with quick and powerful attacks. Their blocking also disrupted Vietnam’s attacking options. Vietnam tried to stay within reach, but some instability in serve reception and ball handling allowed the gap to widen. China again won 25-16.

There was little change in the third set. China maintained the pressure, while Vietnam struggled with defence and organising counter-attacks. Vietnam scored only 11 points as China closed out the match 25-11.

China won 3-0, with set scores of 25-16, 25-16 and 25-11, after around 65 minutes of play.

Vietnam fall short of another semi-final appearance

The defeat ended Vietnam’s run in the quarter-finals of the women’s volleyball tournament at ASIAD 20. At ASIAD 19 in Hangzhou in 2023, Vietnam reached the semi-finals for the first time and finished fourth.

At ASIAD 20, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet’s side finished second in Pool D after the preliminary round. Vietnam defeated Qatar and Hong Kong (China) both 3-0, before losing 1-3 to the Republic of Korea in the final group match. The result set up a quarter-final meeting with China.

China, meanwhile, entered the quarter-finals unbeaten in the group stage, defeating the Philippines and Kazakhstan 3-0 in both matches.

The quarter-final also highlighted a significant difference in the two teams’ ability to sustain pressure and organise their play. Vietnam had positive spells, but found it increasingly difficult to cope with China’s attacking power and blocking as each set progressed.

Pham Quynh Huong was one of Vietnam’s bright spots, scoring eight points, the highest total for the team in the quarter-final. Her individual efforts, however, were not enough to alter the course of the match.

After their quarter-final exit, Vietnam will continue in the classification matches for fifth to eighth place at ASIAD 20. According to the updated schedule, their next opponent will be Indonesia.

Vietnam secure spot in quarter-finals of ASIAD 20 women's volleyball

VOV.VN - Vietnam swept Hong Kong (China) 3-0 on September 17 to secure their second consecutive victory and a place in the quarterfinals of the women's volleyball tournament at the 2026 Asian Games in Komaki, Japan.