Indonesia dominates South East Asian Beach Volleyball Championships
With a great performance against their Thai opponents, Indonesian teams won the titles in both the men’s and women’s competition at last weekend’s South East Asian Beach Volleyball Championships in Singapore. Indonesia and Thailand not only dominated the finals but took all slots in the final fours except for one which was taken by Vietnam in the women’s competition. Host Singapore wasn’t able to move a team beyond the quarter-finals. Singapore coach Dean Martin commented:
“Our teams put up a really good fight and played excellently on the courts. What was lacking was their experience and exposure at this competition level. They will definitely do a lot better with more experience.”
Indonesia vs. Thailand on all levels in the men’s competition
Although defending champions being from Thailand, Indonesia took the crown in both finals. In the men’s competition Indonesian top seeds Candra Rachamawan/Mohamad Ashfiya beat Thailand’s Nuttanon Inkiew/Sedtawat Padsawud in two sets. Two more clashes between Indonesia and Thailand had occurred in the semi-finals where both finalists had fought close three-set battles against their Thai and Indonesian opponents respectively.
Close call in the women’s final
The women’s competition also saw a final between Indonesia and Thailand. Dhita Juliana/Putu Utami, (Indonesia) were fighting hard to defeat their Thai opponents Rumpaipruet Numwong/Khanittha Hongpak in a close three set match (21:17, 18:21, 15:10) claiming the crown for Indonesia. The Thai team had eliminated Mai Thi Hoa/Tran Thi Cam Thi from Vietnam in the semi-finals, the only team in the final fours not originating from Indonesia or Thailand.
Indonesia’s Dhita Juliana blocking Khanittha Hongpak (Thailand)
Lots of potential for beach volleyball in the region
Although Singapore cannot yet compare with such reputable beach volleyball locations as Brazil or California, the sport is more and more gaining traction in Asia. The Singapore event was very well organized by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and the overall setting including matches, atmosphere and beach parties was above most expectations. The AVC sees lots of potential in Singapore and is supported by the FIVB as well. AVC Beach Volleyball Director Kritsada Panaseri said:
“Singapore’s setup has exceeded expectations. The stage was huge and with live entertainment, it brought the entire experience of beach volleyball to the next level.”
Find all the tournament’s results on the South East Asian Beach Volleyball Championship’s official website.
Asia Pacific Beach Volleyball Championships in Pelambang
The Singapore event does not close the season in Asia yet. From October 18-22 Indonesia’s South Sumatra province capital of Palembang will host the 2017 Asia Pacific Beach Volleyball championships. Teams from 14 countries are going to partcipate, amongst them host Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Qatar and Kazakhstan.
