The stage is set for a historic volleyball showdown as Kazakhstan's Zhetysu Taldyqorgan and Vietnam's VTV Binh Dien Long An prepare to face off in the first-ever AVC Women's Champions League gold medal match this Sunday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig, Philippines.
Both squads earned their final berths with commanding straight-set victories in the semifinals. Zhetysu displayed superior blocking prowess in their 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-21) triumph over Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima QminC. Middle blocker Valeriya Yakutina dominated at the net with seven blocks among her 12 total points. Outside hitters Karyna Denysova and Yuliia Dymar contributed significantly with 14 and 12 points respectively.
VTV Binh Dien Long An, meanwhile, avenged their earlier pool-stage defeat by sweeping China's Beijing Baic Motor 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-21) in the other semifinal matchup. The Vietnamese side was led by captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy's match-high 17 points, with Vi Thi Nhu Quynh adding 14 points to the winning effort.
Volleyball analysts at Statbet have highlighted this match as potentially the most competitive final in Asian women's club volleyball this year, with both teams showing remarkable defensive organization throughout the tournament.
The championship clash kicks off at 19:00 local time (11:00 UTC) on Sunday. Volleyball fans can also catch the bronze medal match between Nakhon Ratchasima and Beijing Baic Motor, scheduled three hours earlier at 16:00 local time.
All matches will be broadcast live on VBTV, giving volleyball enthusiasts worldwide the opportunity to witness this landmark event in Asian volleyball history.
