Press release

Vinh Phuc, Vietnam, June 25, 2011 - Thailand’s Chang defeated China’s Tianjin Bridegstone in straight sets ( 25-19, 25-19, 25-20) to claim the 2011 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship and a spot at the FIVB Club World Championships in Qatar in October. The championship crown of the 12th edition marks the third consecutive gold medal finish for Thailand. 

The crowd at the Vinh Phuc Gym witnessed a stellar battle between two of the strongest teams in this year’s competition. Thailand’s powerhouse trio of team captain Wilavan Apinyapong, Onuma Sittirak and Malika Kanthong posted double-digit scores for a total of 38 points. Setter Nootsara Tomkom provided exceptional orchestration of plays that powered the Thai team into a well-oiled scoring machine. Thailand’s blocking efficiency likewise limited China’s steadiest attacker Yin Na to a mere five points.  The Thais’ commendable defence was the real difference in their triumphant quest for gold.                                                                                                                                                                                 

In an earlier match, Zhetyssu of Kazakhstan took the bronze medal with a straight sets victory against Thongtinlienviet bank of host country Vietnam (25-23, 31-29, 25-16). The Kazaks relied on its tall line-up to foil Vietnam’s offensive moves. Lyudmila Anarbayeva scored a total of 16 points for the Kazaks, as she steadily manned the net against Vietnam’s attacks. Olga D. Olga and Olga Nassedkina likewise stepped up to the scoring challenge by posting 14 points and 13 points respectively. 

Kensyokai Red Hearts of Japan took fifth place with their 3-0 win over Perspolisse of Iran (25-20, 25-19, 26-24).  The Japanese utilised their fast-paced brand of play, outsmarting the Iran side with numerous combinations. Perspolisse tried to firm up their defence and successfully scored off their blocks, which say them extend the third set before eventually succumbing to their own errors. Wing spiker Haruka Ohnishi proved to be an all-around scoring machine for the Japanese, posting a total of 15 points from attacks, blocks, and serves. 

Garuda of Indonesia ended their campaign on a winning note by beating Shakeys of the Philippines,  3-1 (25-22, 25-17, 26-28, 25-18). The Indonesians played solidly in the first two sets with their steady offence and powerful serves before Shakeys bounced back with solid blocking to win the third set. A fiery Tiara Putri Anggraeni helped Garuda seize the momentum in the final set, as she went on to score 25 points to help Garuda seal seventh place.
 
Match Results
Garuda (INA) bt. Shakeys (PHI) 3-1 (25-22, 25-17, 26-28, 25-18)
Kensyokai Red Hearts (JPN) bt. Perspolisse (IRI) 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 26-24)
Zhetyssu (KAZ) bt. Thongtinlienviet Bank (VIE)  3-0 (25-23, 31-29, 25-16)
Chang (THA) bt. Tianjin Bridgestone (CHN) 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-20)
 
Final Team Rankings
1. Chang (THA)
2. Tianjin Bridgestone (CHN)
3. Zhetyssu (KAZ)
4. Thongtinlienviet Bank (VIE)
5. Kensyokai Red Hearts (JPN)
6. Perspolisse (IRI)
7. Garuda (INA)
8. Shakeys (PHI)
 
Individual Awards
Best Scorer- Lyudmila Anarbayeva (KAZ)
Best Spiker – Yin Na (CHN)
Best Blocker- Hue Pham Kim (VIE)
Best Server- Nootsara Tomkom (THA)
Best Setter – Yao Di (CHN )
Best Libero – Piyanut Pannoy (THA)
Most Valuable Player – Wilavan Apinyapong (THA)