Kazakhstan continued its impressive run in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women's Volleyball Cup by securing a thrilling victory over Vietnam on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Candon City Sports Arena in Ilocos Sur.
Fifth-set heroics seal the win
Kristina Belova and Yuliya Fomenko combined for nine points in the decisive fifth set as Kazakhstan edged the defending champions 18-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-22, 15-13. The win gave Kazakhstan a perfect 5-0 record in Pool B.
Next matches
Kazakhstan will now face the second-place team from Pool A, while Vietnam (4-1) will take on the top squad from that pool. As of press time, South Korea and Chinese Taipei were competing for the top spot in Pool A. The tournament is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and the City of Candon under Mayor Eric Singson.
Ending a long streak
Kazakhstan's victory ended Vietnam's 23-match winning streak dating back to 2023. The Kazakhs had lost to Vietnam twice in 2024, including the gold medal match at the AVC Women's Challenge Cup in Manila. Last year, Kazakhstan also fell to Vietnam, led by Tran Thi Than Thuy, in 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,” said Belova, a member of the 2024 silver medal squad.
Top performers
Belova scored 21 points on 19 attacks and two blocks. Zhanna Syroyeshkina also delivered 21 points, including 15 attacks and six aces, while Tatyana Yatskiv chipped in 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.
