LookAtVietnam – The second day of competition at the National All-Star Volleyball Championships saw a dramatic match between Binh Dien Long An and Lilama Hai Duong yesterday.

Spiking it: Vu Thuy Anh (right) of Bai Bang Paper Mill plays at the National All-stars Volleyball Championship in Phu Tho Gymnasium.

Coach Luong Khuong Thuong of BDLA took Kaensing out in the second set, reducing their strength, but they still won 25-22.

Hai Duong made a surprising move in the next set, when Thai coach Prakarn Kumsa worked to strengthen his defenders to neutralise BDLA’s, attacks. In this tie break set, Thai attacker Patcharee co-ordinated an assault with Do Thi Khuyen to help Hai Duong win 25-18.

Hai Duong kept the lead throughout the fourth set to defeat BDLA 25-21.

Thai attacker Kaensing played again for BDLA in the fifth set but failed to score many points. Hai Duong dramatically continued to play better and better, taking the lead and maintaining a safe point distance.

In the end, BDLA played an impressive final set with fan support urging them on to win 15-13.

Also in Group A at Phu Tho Gymnasium yesterday, Military Zone 5 beat Bien Hoa Construction Materials 3-1 while Air Defence-Air Force defeated Quang Ninh 3-1.

Group B played at Ha Tinh Gymnasium, where Industrial and Commercial Bank won over Song Ma Thanh Hoa 3-0 and VietsovPetro beat Phu Rieng Rubber also 3-0.

The event includes two stages. The first stage features 24 men’s and women’s teams competing in a round robin. The men and women were divided for competition into two groups beginning last Saturday to April 5 in Ha Tinh and Phu Tho Gymnasiums.

The top three teams from both categories will progress to a second group stage, with the four top teams meeting in the semi-finals.

The second stage will take place from July 11-18 in HCM City and Binh Duong Gymnasiums.

Volleyball was second after football to enter the country’s professional arena four years ago with the formation of a professional league.

During the annual season, men’s and women’s teams have been allowed to trade players and sign foreigners since 2005, a decision made by Viet Nam Volleyball Federation to help increase the quality of the sport.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News