Candon city: Kazakhstan sustained its momentum in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women's Volleyball Cup with a victory over Vietnam Friday at Candon City Sports Arena in Ilocos Sur. Kristina Belova and Yuliya Fomenko combined for nine points in the fifth set as the Kazakhs prevailed over the defending champions, 18-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-22, 15-13, to finish Pool B at 5-0.
According to Philippines News Agency, Kazakhstan will face the No. 2 team from Pool A, while Vietnam (4-1) takes on the pool winner. South Korea and Chinese Taipei were scheduled to dispute the top spot in Pool A of the event, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and the City of Candon, headed by Mayor Eric Singson.
Kazakhstan's win ended Vietnam's streak of 23 consecutive victories dating back to 2023. The Kazakhs had previously lost twice to Vietnam in 2024, including the gold medal match at the AVC Women's Challenge Cup in Manila. Last year, Kazakhstan fell to Vietnam, led by Tran Thi Than Thuy, at the AVC Nations Cup semifinals in Hanoi.
"We had lost against Vietnam and this win was really important for us. We prepared for this and I think we did a great job," Belova, a member of the 2024 silver medal squad, said after the match. Belova scored 21 points on 19 attacks and two blocks, with Zhanna Syroyeshkina also delivering 21 points on 15 attack points and six aces. Tatyana Yatskiv contributed 20 points on 17 attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
Fomenko, a veteran of Kazakhstan's previous two campaigns, added 13 points on nine attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Vietnam skipper Tran Thi Than Thuy finished with 25 points, all on attacks.
