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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider Taipei gives Kazakhstan reality check, books first-ever AVC Cup final ticket

Taipei gives Kazakhstan reality check, books first-ever AVC Cup final ticket

Published Jun 13, 2026 07:21 pm

At A Glance

  • CANDON CITY – After years of trying, Chinese Taipei is marching into the final after giving Kazakhstan a reality check with a 25-23, 25-16, 25-14 victory in the semis of the 2026 AVC Women's Volleyball Cup here at the Candon City Arena Saturday, June 13.
Chinese Taipei (AVC)
Chinese Taipei (AVC)
CANDON CITY – After years of trying, Chinese Taipei is marching into the final after giving Kazakhstan a reality check with a 25-23, 25-16, 25-14 victory in the semis of the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup here at the Candon City Arena Saturday, June 13.
In front of thousands of local fans here, the Taiwanese overcame a sluggish first set behind Yi-Chi Chang’s brilliance to douse the fiery run led by Kazakh star Kristina Belova.
Kazakhstan then struggled on both ends, failing to keep up with Taipei’s early surge in the next two frames as the latter held its ground for a statement victory.
Taipei also spoiled Kazakhstan’s five-set escape against reigning champion Vietnam the day prior.
Kazakhstan, for its part, faces Vietnam in the other match for the bronze medal.
Despite yielding a five-set loss to South Korea less than a day earlier, Chinese Taipei found ways to impose its will, getting closer to its first gold since joining in 2023.
The tournament is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the City of Candon led by Mayor Eric D. Singson.
“We’re very happy and it’s [the] first time [that] we’re going to the final,” said Yi-Jen Liao. “I’m really excited [and in] this game, I think everybody, and Chang played well.”
Chinese Taipei, which won two bronze medals in two editions while settling for 7th in 2024, may achieve its women’s volleyball program’s highest honor – in terms of medal – as it only had three bronzes in the Asian Games and the Asian Nations Cup.
Yu-Chun Tsai paced the Taiwanese with 18 points on 17 attacks and one ace, while Chang added 14 points off 10 spikes, one block, and three aces. Wan-Yun Hsu and Yu-Wen Yeh combined for 13 points.
Tatyana Yatskiv and Belova sparked the Kazakh side after listing 12 and 10 points, respectively, in a losing effort.
Meanwhile, South Korea unleashed its full force and dismantled reigning three-time champion Vietnam, 25-20, 25-19, 25-22, to set up a title showdown against Chinese Taipei.
The South Koreans outworked the Vietnamese offensively, frustrating the four-peat-seeking squad especially in the third where they swiftly erased a 14-17 deficit before breaking away to go directly to the finale.
Outside hitter Yelim Lee starred for Korea with a game-high 19 points on 15 attacks, one block, and three aces, while Hyunsoo Na and skipper Sohwi Kang added 14 points each.
Thi Thanh Thuy Tran (T4) uncorked 17 points while Thi Kim Thanh Dang added 10 for Vietnam, which faces Kazakhstan in a battle-for-bronze matchup.

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Chinese Taipei AVC Women\'s Volleyball Cup Kazakhstan Yi-Jen Liao
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