South Korea rules AVC Women’s Cup, sweeps Chinese Taipei in final

South Korea reacts after beating Chinese Taipei in the final of the AVC Women’s Cup in Candon, Ilocos Sur. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — South Korea made short work of Chinese Taipei, 25-19, 25-19, 25-22, to reign supreme in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup on Sunday night at Candon City Arena here.

In their first AVC Women’s Cup since losing their spot in the Volleyball Nations League, the Koreans flaunted their world-class talent to dominate the continental tournament, sweeping all seven of their games.

QUEENS OF #AVCWOMENSCUP

South Korea claims its championship trophy!@inquirersports pic.twitter.com/vY2NNceQgO

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 14, 2026

But they faced some resistance against Chinese Taipei late in the third set before Kang Sohwi, who went on to win the MVP and Best Outside Spiker awards, took over for Korea.

After Lee Yelim’s ace gave Korea a 19-15 lead,  miscues allowed Chinese Taipei to level at 19. However, Chen Chieh’s return error halted their rally.

Kang then took over, trading crucial hits with Tsai Yu-Chub before scoring four straight points for a 23-22 cushion. Yelim then pushed Korea to championship point with a sharp crosscourt hit, 24-22, before Jeong Yunju sealed the title with a block on Chang Yi-Chi.

QUEEN OF CHEERS 🇰🇷

South Korea celebrates in front of the Candonian crowd after sweeping the #AVCWomensCup | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/uZRViDZ5jq

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) June 14, 2026

Kang led the Koreans with 14 points. Na Hyunsoo chipped in 12, while Jeong added 11 points.

South Korea made sure to save the best against Chinese Taipei after needing five sets to win in their Pool A duel.

The Koreans also ended Vietnam’s three-year reign with a 25-20, 25-19, 25-22 sweep of the knockout semifinal.

Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, still earned its best finish in Asia, with a silver medal, surpassing last year’s bronze. Chang led the team with 16 points, while Tsai had 13.

Vietnam salvages bronze

Meanwhile, Vietnam vented its ire on Kazakhstan, 25-17, 25-12, 25-19, to settle for a bronze medal.

Less than 24 hours after they were dethroned, Tran Thi Thang Thuy secured the podium finish for the Vietnamese with 16 points off 14 kills, one block, and an ace.

Tran Thi Bich Thuy also stepped up with 15 points, while Vi Thi Nhu Quynh added 13 to exact revenge on Kazakhstan, which ended the Vietnam’s 23-game unbeaten run in the final day of Pool Stage last Friday.

Kazakhstan placed fourth for the second year in a row, with Kristina Belova leading the charge with 10 points.

Indonesia finished fifth after sweeping Australia, 25-13, 25-19, 26-24.

Medi Yoku and Arsela Nuari Purnama led the Indonesians with 11 points each. Namira Maradanti and Ersandrina Devega had 10 apiece.