Korea Faces Setback in Volleyball Tournament but Aims for Gold Medal Redemption

Cambodia Wins Shocking Victory over South Korea in Volleyball Tournament

By Ahn Ho-geun, Sports Reporter | September 21, 2023 | 18:30

In a surprising turn of events, Cambodia, a team with no international ranking, defeated South Korea, the 27th-ranked team in the world, in the ongoing volleyball tournament. The loss comes as a major setback for South Korea, who had set their sights on winning the gold medal.

Led by coach Lim Do-heon, South Korea suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Cambodia (25-23, 25-13, 25-15), bringing their record to 1 win and 1 loss in the tournament so far.

Despite the initial setback against India on the previous day, South Korea managed to secure a spot in the round of 12 by easily defeating Cambodia. They will next face Pakistan, the first-place team in Group D, with hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals.

The loss against India was particularly disappointing for South Korea, as it marked the first time in 11 years that they had lost to them in an international competition. The team had high hopes of claiming the gold medal, especially after their victory at the 2006 Doha Asian Games.

The tournament, which features 19 teams divided into 6 groups, poses a challenge for South Korea as they work towards regaining their competitive edge in international volleyball.

Despite the setback, South Korea showed resilience in their game against Cambodia. Jeong Ji-seok, who returned to the lineup after being sidelined due to back pain, played a key role in leading the team’s attack, scoring 11 points.

The atmosphere of the previous day seemed to weigh on the team’s performance at the beginning of the game, but they managed to turn the tide and secure a victory in the first set. With the combined efforts of players like Kim Min-jae and Lim Dong-hyuk, South Korea maintained their lead and clinched the win.

If South Korea can secure a victory in the round of 12 tournament, they have the potential to secure a higher position in the overall rankings. In the past, the team has achieved success at top-tier events such as the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games.

Coach Lim Do-heon’s guidance will be crucial in motivating the players and helping them bounce back from the recent defeat. South Korea remains determined to pursue their goal of winning the gold medal, despite the unexpected setback.

Reporter Ahn Ho-geun | 2023.09.21 18:30

Jeong Ji-seok (centre) sets a spike against Cambodia on the 21st. /Photo = News They set their sights on winning the first gold medal, but suffered a shocking loss to India, becoming 73rd in the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) ranking. Was it a chance to wake up at the start of the competition? Cambodia (no ranking) won the match easily and progressed to the final.

Korea, ranked 27th in the world, led by coach Lim Do-heon, defeated Cambodia with a set score of 3-0 (25-23, 25-13, 25-15) and achieved a shutout victory.

Korea bowed after losing to India with a set score of 2-3 in the first match on the 20th, but Korea easily defeated Cambodia and recorded 1 win and 1 loss, advancing to the round of 12, round of the tournament, as 2nd place in the group after India (2 wins).

On the 22nd, they will compete with Pakistan (2 wins, 51st place), first place in Group D, to advance to the quarter-finals. If they defeat Pakistan, there is a high possibility that they will clash with their opponent Qatar (17th) in the quarter-finals.

Center back Kim Min-jae (right) attacks. /Photo = News 1

━

I had a shock loss the day before, but my goal is a gold medal…

━

The loss against India was shocking. It was the first time in 11 years since the 2012 Asian Volleyball Federation Cup that they lost to India in an international competition that sent professional players.

It was an even more painful result because the goal was to win the gold medal. Korea, who won a gold medal at the 2006 Doha Asian Games, have gone downhill since then. The loss against India was even more disappointing for volleyball fans as they have not been able to show competitiveness in recent international competitions.

In this tournament, 19 teams participated and were divided into 6 groups to play the group stage, with the 1st and 2nd places from each group progressing to the round of 12 tournaments. It was a huge advantage for Korea, which was hit by an unexpected blow.

Heo Soo-bong (left) attempts an attack. /Photo = News 1

━

Jeong Ji-seok, who was closed for opening, also returned to the lineup. Although he struggled in the beginning, the frustration was not repeated.

━

Outside heater Jeong Ji-seok, who had rested the previous day due to back pain, took the lead. The setter was played by Han Seo-seon, the middle blockers were Kim Min-jae and Kim Gyu-min, the libero was played by Park Gyeong-min, the opposing pitcher was Heo Soo-bong, and the outside hitter was Na Kyung – buck

Jeong Ji-seok led the attack with 11 points, the most in the team, while Kim Min-jae had 10 points and Lim Dong-hyuk 9 points, forming an offensive triangle.

The dark atmosphere of the previous day seemed to continue at the start of the game. Jeong Ji-seok, who had been on the bench the previous day, also made a lot of mistakes at the beginning. They were down 6-10 in the first set, but Jeong Ji-seok turned the tide. We managed to narrow the gap bit by bit with the stars, and finally managed to turn the tables at 18-18 with Lim Dong-hyuk’s spike.

After that, Korea, who widened the score due to goals from opponents Beomsil and Jeong Ji-seok, managed to take the lead with Kim Min-jae’s quick attack and Na Kyung-bok’s (Ministry of National Defense) direct kill on 23. -23 tied again as Cambodia chased.

After shaking off the burden, Korea’s attack developed much more easily. The wings of Lim Dong-hyuk and Jeong Ji-seok gave strength. They allowed Cambodia to chase, but they won the second set without relinquishing the lead and won the third set easily.

If they win the round of 12 tournament, they will go to the 1st to 6th place match on the 24th. Depending on the results, you may be promoted to a higher position. Korean men’s volleyball placed second behind Iran at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. Starting with the 1978 Bangkok Games, it reached the top three times, including the 2002 Busan Games and the 2006 Doha Games.

Coach Lim Do-heon gives instructions to the players during the game. /Photo = News 1

<저작권자 © ‘리얼타임 연예스포츠 속보,스타의 모든 것’ 스타뉴스, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지>

#shock #loss #Mens #volleyball #defeat #Cambodia #settle #clash #Pakistan #항저우AG