VNL 2024: Türkiye Dominates Thailand with Straight-Set Victory

On June 12, during Week 3 of the VNL 2024 in Hong Kong, Türkiye started their week with a dominant straight-set victory over Thailand (25-17, 25-17, 25-17). Despite trailing 5-11 in the third set, Türkiye quickly leveled the score at 13-13 and eventually pulled ahead to win the set 25-17. Outside hitter Hande Baladin led the match in scoring, contributing 14 points to secure the win for Türkiye.

Post-match, our journalist interviewed Hande Baladin. She credited their strong block defense as a key factor in the win and acknowledged that Thailand plays a different system. Baladin praised her team’s overall performance and expressed joy in playing against Thailand, noting it was always enjoyable.

Regarding the turnaround in the third set, Baladin remarked that such comebacks are normal in their sport. She explained that playing almost every day and rotating players frequently has helped them improve, and she is confident they will continue to get better.

We also interviewed Thai opposite Thanacha Sooksod. She admitted that Thailand made several serving errors and recognized Türkiye as a strong team. Despite the loss, Sooksod was proud of her team’s effort.

Thai outside hitter Ajcharaporn Kongyot also spoke in the mixed zone post-match. She highlighted Türkiye’s advantage in height and strength, noting that while Thailand sometimes plays well, they are prone to making mistakes. Kongyot emphasized that they need to improve their reception in upcoming matches.

Video interviews of the matchday:

(Reported by Boris CHUNG Bok Man)