The highly anticipated Group A match between Long An and Thong Tin on the evening of 17/5 at the Tay Ninh gymnasium drew a capacity crowd, with thousands of fans unable to get tickets watching on large screens outside. Both teams had one win and one loss before this encounter, making it a decisive match for a semifinal berth, alongside Giang To (China).

Attacker Tran Thi Thanh Thuy spikes the ball past Thong Tin blockers to score a point during Binh Dien Long An's 3-1 comeback victory over Binh Chung Thong Tin in Group A of the VTV9 - Binh Dien 2026 international women's volleyball tournament, at Tay Ninh gymnasium, on the evening of 17/5. Photo: Dong Huyen

The importance of the match prompted both coaches to field their strongest players. Long An's lineup included Kim Thoa, Thanh Thuy, Ortiz, Nhu Anh, Tra My, and Lu Thi Phuong. For Thong Tin, Nguyet Anh, Lam Oanh, Pham Yen, Quynh Huong, and Phuong Thuy took to the court. Coach Pham Van Long's players performed better, with precise attacks from Nguyet Anh and Quynh Huong, to win the first set 25-20.

Facing potential elimination from the group stage, which would be a significant embarrassment for the host and organizer (Tay Ninh province having recently merged with Long An), coach Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa urged her players to show more determination in the second set. Despite strong spikes over the net from key attackers Thanh Thuy and Ortiz, Long An still trailed 22-19. On the brink of defeat, the home team rallied, with Tra My's difficult serves causing confusion and reception errors for Thong Tin players. Long An scored six consecutive points to win the set 25-22, leveling the match.

Attacker Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and her Binh Dien Long An teammates celebrate their 3-1 comeback victory over Binh Chung Thong Tin in Group A of the VTV9 - Binh Dien 2026 international women's volleyball tournament, at Tay Ninh gymnasium, on the evening of 17/5. Photo: Dong Huyen

With their spirits high and boosted by the home crowd's support, Thanh Thuy and her teammates found renewed strength. Although they continued to trail their opponents in the third and fourth sets, Long An's players showed incredible resolve, winning 25-20 and 25-19 to complete a dramatic 3-1 comeback, igniting the Tay Ninh arena.

After the victory, coach Ngoc Hoa breathed a sigh of relief, rushing onto the court to embrace her players with tears in her eyes. She had shed the immense pressure of potential elimination, which would have meant an early exit for the tournament host. Thanh Thuy ran around the court, sharing her joy and receiving gifts from fans.

Post-match statistics revealed Thanh Thuy as the player of the match with 22 points, followed by Ortiz with 20 points and Tra My with 19 points. This victory secured Long An's spot in the semifinals. They now await the outcome of the Giang To - VietinBank match to determine their final position in Group A.

Attacker Tran Thi Thanh Thuy receives gifts and interacts with fans after helping Binh Dien Long An to a 3-1 comeback victory over Binh Chung Thong Tin in Group A of the VTV9 - Binh Dien 2026 international women's volleyball tournament, at Tay Ninh gymnasium, on the evening of 17/5. Photo: Dong Huyen

In Group B, newcomer Ha Noi Tasco Auto continued to demonstrate its strength after defeating Gunma Green Wings (Japan) 3-0, then winning against Suwon (South Korea) by the same score to secure an early semifinal spot. Meanwhile, LPBank Ninh Binh suffered a 1-3 comeback loss to Gunma Green Wings. Consequently, the remaining semifinal ticket from Group B will be decided in today's matches.

The VTV9 - Binh Dien 2026 tournament, now in its 15th edition, is taking place from 15/5 to 23/5 at the Tay Ninh Provincial Gymnasium. Top Vietnamese women's volleyball teams participating include hosts Binh Dien Long An, Binh Chung Thong Tin, VietinBank, LPBank Ninh Binh, and Ha Noi Tasco Auto. Three international teams, all among Asia's top clubs, are also competing: Giang To (China), Suwon City (South Korea), and Gunma Green Wings (Japan).

The total prize fund for this year's tournament is 48,700 USD (approximately 1.2 billion VND). The champion will receive 15,000 USD, the runner-up 10,000 USD, and the third-place team 7,000 USD. The organizers will also present numerous individual awards, including: Best Player, Best Attacker, Best Setter, Best Libero, Best Young Player, Most Impressive Young Player, and Miss Volleyball.

Match schedule for 18/5:

14h: Giang To (China) – Vietinbank

17h: Suwon City (South Korea) – Gunma Green Wings (Japan)

20h: LPBank Ninh Binh – Ha Noi Tasco Auto.

Duc Dong