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Japanese And Vietnamese Clubs To Join PVL Invitational Conference
Photo credit: PVL
Top club teams from Japan and Vietnam are eagerly preparing to showcase their volleyball prowess in the semifinal round of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on July 20.
The Kurashiki Ablaze from Yokohama and the Kinh Bac Bac Ninh are determined to make an impact in the mid-season conference of the league, which is currently on a break for the men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) staging. The tournament will take place at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines.
Last year, Japan's representative, Kobe Shinwa, had to withdraw from the PVL Invitational due to several members testing positive for Covid-19. As a result, the KingWhale Taipei became the sole foreign guest squad, reaching the finals but eventually losing to the Creamline Cool Smashers.
This year, the Kurashiki Ablaze side looks promising with a lineup that includes skilled hitters such as Saya Taniguchi, Sayaka Tanida, Yukino Yano, and Saki Tanabe, as well as accomplished opposite strikers Asaka Tamaru, Reina Fujiwara, and Honoka Okuda.
The team, which competes in Japan's V.League Division 3, has a strong track record, having topped the 13th National Six-Man Volleyball League (Western tournament), finished second in the 12th National Volleyball League, and secured third place in the 13th National Volleyball League Grand Champion Match.
On the other hand, Kinh Bac Bac Ninh from Vietnam has gained recognition since winning first place and earning the right to compete in Vietnam's National Championship in 2018. Despite facing tough competition, the team managed to secure the bronze medal in 2019 and consistently finished among the top three in the following two years.
In the meantime, the race for the semifinal berths intensifies with a series of matches starting on Tuesday. The action-packed schedule includes four games: Petro Gazz versus Farm Fresh at 9:30 a.m., Cignal against Foton at 12 noon, Akara facing Chery Tiggo at 4 p.m., and the highly anticipated clash between Choco Mucho and F2 Logistics at 6:30 p.m., all taking place at the Philsports Arena.
Currently, Creamline leads Group A with a perfect 2-0 record, followed by PLDT with a 1-0 standing. Chery Tiggo, Akari, and Gerflor have similar 0-1 records. In Group B, F2 Logistics and Choco Mucho have both won their first two matches, setting the stage for an exciting showdown between the two teams.
Petro Gazz and Cignal have split their respective first two matches, while Foton and Farm Fresh are still seeking their first win after two games.
The Kurashiki Ablaze from Yokohama and the Kinh Bac Bac Ninh are determined to make an impact in the mid-season conference of the league, which is currently on a break for the men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) staging. The tournament will take place at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines.
Last year, Japan's representative, Kobe Shinwa, had to withdraw from the PVL Invitational due to several members testing positive for Covid-19. As a result, the KingWhale Taipei became the sole foreign guest squad, reaching the finals but eventually losing to the Creamline Cool Smashers.
This year, the Kurashiki Ablaze side looks promising with a lineup that includes skilled hitters such as Saya Taniguchi, Sayaka Tanida, Yukino Yano, and Saki Tanabe, as well as accomplished opposite strikers Asaka Tamaru, Reina Fujiwara, and Honoka Okuda.
The team, which competes in Japan's V.League Division 3, has a strong track record, having topped the 13th National Six-Man Volleyball League (Western tournament), finished second in the 12th National Volleyball League, and secured third place in the 13th National Volleyball League Grand Champion Match.
On the other hand, Kinh Bac Bac Ninh from Vietnam has gained recognition since winning first place and earning the right to compete in Vietnam's National Championship in 2018. Despite facing tough competition, the team managed to secure the bronze medal in 2019 and consistently finished among the top three in the following two years.
In the meantime, the race for the semifinal berths intensifies with a series of matches starting on Tuesday. The action-packed schedule includes four games: Petro Gazz versus Farm Fresh at 9:30 a.m., Cignal against Foton at 12 noon, Akara facing Chery Tiggo at 4 p.m., and the highly anticipated clash between Choco Mucho and F2 Logistics at 6:30 p.m., all taking place at the Philsports Arena.
Currently, Creamline leads Group A with a perfect 2-0 record, followed by PLDT with a 1-0 standing. Chery Tiggo, Akari, and Gerflor have similar 0-1 records. In Group B, F2 Logistics and Choco Mucho have both won their first two matches, setting the stage for an exciting showdown between the two teams.
Petro Gazz and Cignal have split their respective first two matches, while Foton and Farm Fresh are still seeking their first win after two games.
Jul 7, 2023
