AVC: South Korea ends Vietnam reign, sets final vs Chinese Taipei

South Korea reacts during a game vs defending champion Vietnam in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur —South Korea will face Chinese Taipei in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup final on Sunday at Candon City Arena here.

South Korea reached the championship round after ending defending champion Vietnam’s three-year reign with a 25-20, 25-19, 25-22 sweep in the knockout semifinals on Saturday evening.

It will be a battle between first-time finalists for the Women’s Cup crown at 7 p.m.

Lee Yelim after leading South Korea to the #AVCWomensCup final. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/XhtaOxP6nl

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) June 13, 2026

South Korea is competing in its first Women’s Cup since the tournament was established in 2018 after losing its place in the Volleyball Nations League, while Chinese Taipei continued its rise with a breakthrough Asian final appearance, surpassing last year’s bronze medal finish.

Lee Yelim took matters into her own hands, stepping up with 19 points from 15 kills, three aces, and a block against the Vietnamese.

“I heard that we won against Vietnam for the first time. I think it’s very meaningful for us. It became a very big motivation to win the game tomorrow,” said Yelim through a translator.

“Taipei also had this game yesterday. They would know about us well enough, and we also would know well enough (about them). We just have to play with our style.”

South Korea’s Lee Yelim during a game vs Vietnam in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

After South Korea dictated the pace in the first two sets, Lee led her team’s comeback from a 14-17 deficit in the third, with Kim Dain delivering two straight aces for a 23-21 lead.

Tran Thi Thanh Thuy’s attack error sent Korea at match point, 24-21, before Dinh Thi Thuy sent a shot wide to end Vietnam’s run in front of an ecstatic Filipino crowd.

“They’re very passionate, supporting us. Everybody is cheering loudly for us, and I’m very thankful for that. I really want to give back with a win tomorrow. Thank you Filipinos and Filipinas,” Yelim said.

Kang Sohwi and Na Hyunsoo were also instrumental with 14 points each, as the Koreans remained unbeaten in six games, following their 5-0 finish in Pool A.

South Korea fended off Chinese Taipei on Friday, 25-19, 19-25, 25-27, 25-21, 15-12, to take the first seed in their group.

Chinese Taipei bounced back and booked its historic final ticket with a 25-23, 25-16, 25-14 win over Kazakhstan in the other AVC semifinal match.

For the first time in four years, Vietnam will miss the Women’s Cup final after absorbing back-to-back losses from holding a 23-game unbeaten run snapped by Kazakhstan a day ago.

Tran carried the Vietnamese with 17 points, while Dang Thi Kim Thanh had 10 points.

Vietnam and Kazakhstan clash for bronze also on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.