The final, held Sunday morning, 27/7, featured two teams seeking their first world title. However, Japan showcased remarkable progress, playing "a perfect match," according to a commentator on Thailand's PBS network. The East Asian representatives executed nearly flawless serves, sets, and spikes. In contrast, Vietnam faltered at times, leading to lost points.

Vietnam's men's regu four team during the semi-final of the sepak takraw world championship at Central Hatyai shopping center, Songkhla province, Thailand, evening 25/7/2025. Photo: Sanamtakraw

Japan's first set was impeccable. Employing a three-man block like Vietnam, they countered Vietnam's formidable block, often dubbed the "Great Wall," with deft drop shots behind the defense.

This tactic quickly gave Japan the lead. At 8-5, coach Tran Huynh Dat unsuccessfully challenged a Japanese spike. Vietnam's morale seemed to dip, and the lead widened. The East Asian team closed the set at 15-7.

Japan's first error came in the second set at point 7, with a poor first touch followed by a spike into the net. Vietnam briefly capitalized, gaining a one-to-two-point advantage. However, Van Ly's narrow miss on a spike allowed Japan to equalize at 8-8. Vietnam's momentum faltered, losing the next three points.

With Van Ly struggling, coach Huynh Dat substituted Huynh Ngoc Sang, but the change failed to alter the course of the match. Japan secured victory, winning the second set 15-10.

This marks the 4th consecutive world championship final loss for Vietnam's men's regu four team. In 2022, they lost to South Korea 0-2. The following two years saw defeats against host nation Thailand. This year, the team again fell short of gold.

Vietnam still has a chance for a title, with the women's regu four team facing Thailand at 2 PM this afternoon. The women's team has two world championship titles, from 2022 and 2023, but lost the title to Thailand in the previous tournament.

The 2025 Sepak Takraw World Championship, held from 22/7 to 27/7, features 6 events: doubles, triples, regu four, hoop takraw, team, and mixed doubles. Vietnam has already secured two silver medals, in the women's team and men's regu four events.

Xuan Binh