LookAtVietnam – Ukraine’s Technokom secured a semi-final spot at the International Women’s Tournament-VTV Cup after downing Australia 3-0 on August 19.

Photo: Ha Noi Moi.

The host’s national squad overpowered Thailand’s Phuket 3-0 for its fifth consecutive win at the Buon Ma Thuot Gymnasium in the Central Highlands province of Dac Lac.

Against the underdogs, Viet Nam coach Thai Thanh Tung played newcomers Dinh Thi Tra Giang and Do Thi Minh and rested seniors Pham Kim Hue city and Dinh Thi Dieu Chau in the front line.

Star player Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa used her power to score most points for Viet Nam in the first set. The Thai side lifted its intensity in the early stages of the second and lead 4-2 before the hosts regained momentum to level at 6-all and go on to win 25-18.

Thai captain Piaymas Koijapo, who played in Viet Nam’s premier league in 2005, could not help her side regroup in the final set and it lost any chance of progressing with two wins from five games.

The tournament winner receives US$5,000 cash while second and third pocket $3,000 and $2,000 respectively. Individual awards will also be made.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News