Thailand, Indonesia book semifinal berths in SEA V Cup

Thailand and Indonesia secured places in the crossover semifinals of the first leg of the 2026 Southeast Asian V Cup after posting straight-set victories on Thursday at the Candon City Arena.

Thailand made quick work of a youthful Myanmar side, cruising to a 25-15, 25-16, 25-19 win in just 69 minutes to complete a perfect 2-0 run in Pool B and retain its status as the defending first-leg champion.

Napadet Bhinijdee led the Thais with 17 points, built on 13 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while Chaiwat Thungkham added 10 points despite playing only the first two sets, converting nine of his 13 attack attempts.

“We are happy about the result of these two games. This makes our confidence high for the next round especially it’s the semifinals,” said Thungkham.

Thanat Bamrungphakdi chipped in seven points, while Toopadit Phraput, Jakkrit Thanomnoi, and Kiadtiphum Ramsin contributed four points apiece.

Kyaw Aung Myo paced Myanmar with 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks, but the team was hurt by 26 unforced errors.

In the other match, Indonesia also advanced after sweeping Cambodia, 25-18, 25-18, 25-21, in Pool A during its tournament debut.

The reigning AVC Men’s Cup champions needed just 77 minutes to dispatch the Cambodians, who had stunned Alas Pilipinas in five sets a day earlier.

The straight-sets victory handed Indonesia the maximum three points, guaranteeing a semifinal berth and eliminating Cambodia from contention in any potential three-way tie after the pool stage.

The Philippines now faces a must-win clash against Indonesia on Friday at 5:30 p.m. to keep its semifinal hopes alive.

Boy Arabi led Indonesia with 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks, while captain Farhan Halim added 13 points.

Hendra Kurniawan contributed 12 points, highlighted by four aces and three blocks, while Rama Fauzan and Fauzan Nibras chipped in eight points each.

After erupting for 33 points against the Philippines, Voeurn Veasna was held to 10 points for Cambodia.