SINGAPORE: Three sets were all it took for defending champions Thailand to win the gold medal in the men's volleyball final against Vietnam at the 28th SEA Games on Tuesday (Jun 16).
On the final day of Games competitions, Thailand won the first set 25-20, and took the second 25-19. Vietnam valiantly tried a comeback, but Thailand proved to be too strong and won the third set 25-23, winning the match 3-0 to the delight of the 700-strong crowd at the OCBC arena.
"I'm happy with our success today, we did as we had planned," said Thai coach Monchai Supajirakul. "We were chased in the third set, so we had to change the way we served, making it shorter."
"We did it. I want to thank all the athletes and everyone for this success," he added.
Thailand led the attack with 90 spikes, of which 48 were successful. Top scorer for Thailand Jirayu Raksakaew contributed 18 successful spikes in the match that lasted 1 hour 13 minutes.
"I'm proud that I have made Thai people happy," said Raksakaew. "Our success in this match gave us pride - it's a present from us to our Thai fans."
Thailand went undefeated in the competition, putting up spectacular spike shows and thrashing neighbouring countries - Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia - in three sets.
This marks the Thailand's third straight gold in men's volleyball, and its sixth win overall since the sport was introduced in 1977.