Rebisco-Philippines thumps Fine Chef to stay alive in Thailand Open

Rebisco-Philippines vs Fine Chef Phitsanulok. Photo from SMM Volleyball.

MANILA, Philippines–Rebisco-Philippines shrugged off a poor start and took down Fine Chef Phitsanulok, 17-25, 25-12, 25-22, 25-20, to stay in the semifinal hunt of the 20119 Thailand Open Sealect Tuna Volleyball Championships Saturday at Sisaket Gym in Thailand.

The Philippines had a comfortable lead heading into the latter stages of the fourth frame taking a 16-9 lead at the second technical timeout.

Phitsanulok, however, got into a bit of a groove and outscored the Nationals 6-1 to cut the deficit to four, 24-20.

Kittithad Nuwadee had a chance to further extend Fine Chef’s lease but his serve fell short awarding Rebisco-Philippines the win.

Rebisco-Philippines ended the preliminaries with a 1-1 record and it would need the Royal Thai Air Force to win its match against the Phitsanulok on July 7 to assure the Nationals of a seat in the semifinals.

Bagunas had 22 points to lead the Philippines while Marck Espejo and Kim Malabunga added 15 and 11 points, respectively.

Kittithad led Fine Chef with 26 points.