China Beat Thailand Three Two in a Five Set Asian Games Women's Volleyball Semi Final in Komaki
Thailand, the reigning Asian champions, won the first and fourth sets before China raced into an eight to one lead in the decider and closed it out fifteen to six.
China beat Thailand 3-2 in the women's volleyball semi-finals of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games at Park Arena Komaki in Japan on 21 September 2026, with set scores of 23-25, 25-21, 25-11, 26-28 and 15-6.
Thailand made the stronger start, using effective blocking and serving to take the opening set 25-23. China levelled with a 25-21 second set and then dominated the third 25-11 to move ahead in the match.
Thailand forced a deciding set by edging a tight fourth 28-26, but China controlled the tie-break with accurate attacking and a strong block, going 8-1 up before completing a 15-6 win.
Thailand's starting line-up included captain and setter Pornpun Guedpard, Thatdao Nuekjang, Sasipapron Janthawisut, Pimpichaya Kokram and Chatchu-On Moksri, with Piyanut Pannoy and Kalyarat Khamwong as liberos. China were captained by Gong Xiangyu.
The result gave China revenge for the final of the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship, which Thailand won 3-2 to claim a fourth continental title and a first Olympic berth in women's volleyball, for Los Angeles 2028. Thailand had swept their group matches and beaten Indonesia 3-0 in the quarter-finals.
Thailand's wait for a first Asian Games women's volleyball gold continues. They were due to meet South Korea for the bronze medal on 22 September, while China advanced to face hosts Japan in the gold-medal match.