Phu Tho, 5 July, 2025 – Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy delivered a sensational performance, but it was not enough to secure victory as the Vietnam women’s national volleyball team suffered a narrow 2-3 defeat to defending champions Korabelka (Russia) in the final of the VTV International Women’s Volleyball Cup 2025, held on the evening of July 5 at Vinh Phuc Gymnasium.
Head coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet fielded his strongest lineup for the highly anticipated final, including Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Tran Thi Bich Thuy, Nguyen Thi Uyen, Nguyen Thi Trinh, setter Doan Thi Lam Oanh, and libero Nguyen Khanh Dang. Their Russian opponents also deployed their top squad, ready to defend their title in a rematch of last year’s final.
Korabelka imposed their dominance early, capitalizing on their height advantage and aggressive serves to pressure Vietnam’s first-touch reception. Despite determined efforts from Thanh Thuy and Bich Thuy, the visitors managed to edge the opening set 25-19 with a strong finish.
Set two saw Korabelka maintain momentum, exploiting Vietnam’s defensive lapses and limiting their attacking options. Bich Thuy and Thanh Thuy struggled to break through the Russian block, resulting in a 14-25 loss for the host team.
With their backs against the wall, the Vietnamese side came out swinging in the third set. After falling behind 16-20, they mounted a stunning comeback, led by Bich Thuy’s powerful spikes, to snatch the set 25-23 and reduce the match deficit to 1-2.
Energized by the fightback, Vietnam surged ahead in set four. Bich Thuy continued her stellar form, supported by solid teamwork, as the home side claimed the set 25-20 to level the match at 2-2 and send the final into a decisive fifth set.
The final set delivered an epic showdown. Korabelka took an early lead, but Bich Thuy and Thanh Thuy helped Vietnam draw level at 4-4 and pull ahead 9-6. The Russians clawed back to 8-9, but Vietnam again surged to an 11-8 advantage. The tension mounted as the scoreline remained neck-and-neck, with ties at 13-13, 14-14, all the way through to 18-18.
In the closing stages, Korabelka displayed nerves of steel, avoiding errors and executing key plays to clinch the set 20-18 and the match 3-2. With the victory, the Russian side successfully defended their VTV Cup title.
Despite the heartbreak, Vietnam’s spirited performance—especially the brilliance of Bich Thuy—earned admiration from fans. The team showed resilience and determination, turning the final into a classic five-set thriller that highlighted the progress of Vietnamese women’s volleyball on the international stage.
Thuy Trang
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