Tianjin Women Outlast Supreme Chonburi to Claim Asian Club Championship Glory

In front of an expectant home crowd, Tianjin Women were crowned champions of the 2019 Asian Club Championship Women after a thrilling 3-1 victory over Thailand’s Supreme Chonburi VC W on May 5, 2019. The final, played in Tianjin, delivered intensity, high-level volleyball, and a fitting climax to a superb continental tournament.

Tianjin entered the match as clear favourites with the support of the venue and the weight of Chinese volleyball tradition behind them. But Supreme Chonburi, a seasoned side featuring an impressive blend of Thai national stars and international reinforcements, proved they were not prepared to hand over the trophy without a fight. From the opening exchanges, the final had the look of a genuine heavyweight contest.

Match Overview

Tianjin’s dynamic outside attack and powerful serving created the first breakthrough. They won the opening set thanks to a strong run at the end of the frame, but Supreme Chonburi responded immediately in the second set with sharper passing and clever variations in attack. The Thai club’s quick hands and aggressive serving kept Tianjin on edge, and the tension in the arena rose noticeably.

The turning point came in the third and fourth sets. Tianjin reasserted their authority at the net, where their block-and-dig system began to regularly repel Supreme’s heavy hitters. Their outside hitters, led by youthful talent Li Yingying, produced crucial kills whenever the match hung in the balance. Supreme Chonburi continued to battle, saving set points and forcing extra rallies, but the Chinese champions’ depth ultimately proved too much.

Key Moments in the Final

• Tianjin stole the opening set with a late run, giving them a confidence boost for the long contest.
• Supreme Chonburi levelled the match with a determined second-set performance, showing their championship pedigree.
• Tianjin’s blocking raised its level in the third set, shutting down Supreme’s transition attempts at pivotal times.
• A marathon rally near the end of the fourth set produced one of the match’s best moments, with Tianjin converting after relentless defence to seal the title.

Why This Title Mattered

For Tianjin, lifting the Asian Women’s Club Championship trophy represented a landmark achievement on the continental stage. The victory reinforced the strength of the Chinese Volleyball Super League and gave the team a direct ticket to the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship, where they would later test themselves against the world’s finest club sides.

Supreme Chonburi, for their part, left as admirable runners-up. Their road to the final underlined the depth of female club volleyball in Asia, and the team returned home with a silver medal and a reputation that had already been established through years of consistent success in the competition.

The 2019 final was a memorable way to end the tournament, combining technical excellence with high drama. It also served as a reminder that Asian women’s club volleyball continues to grow in quality, with both finalists capable of competing at the very highest level.