The Chinese Taipei women’s volleyball team pushed South Korea to the limit in a thrilling five-set marathon at the AVC Nations Cup, but ultimately fell 2–3 (25–22, 22–25, 25–23, 20–25, 12–15) on June 12, 2026. Despite holding a 2–1 set advantage, the host nation could not close out the match as the experienced South Korean side rallied to snatch victory in dramatic fashion.

Match Overview

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Chinese Taipei started with intensity and matched South Korea’s firepower through the opening three sets. The contest swung back and forth, with both teams trading blows from the service line and showing excellent defensive organisation. However, South Korea’s resilience in the clutch moments of the fourth and fifth sets proved decisive. The result keeps Chinese Taipei’s hopes of advancing to the knockout phase alive, but the missed opportunity to gain maximum points leaves them in a tight spot in the standings.

Key Moments

• First set control: Chinese Taipei came out firing, using a sharp blocking scheme to frustrate South Korea’s outside hitters. A 5–0 run midway through the set gave them a lead they never relinquished, closing 25–22.
• South Korea fight back: The visitors adjusted their passing pattern in the second set, allowing their middle blockers to find rhythm. Tied at 22–22, South Korea won three straight points to level the match.
• Third set drama: Chinese Taipei saved two set points before converting their own chance at 25–23, taking a 2–1 lead and energising the arena.
• The turning point: In the fourth set, a string of unforced errors from Chinese Taipei allowed South Korea to build a 19–13 cushion. Though the home side trimmed the gap to 20–22, a service error and a blocked spike ended the set.
• Fifth-set collapse: Chinese Taipei led 8–6 at the switch, but South Korea’s veteran setter orchestrated a 7–1 run behind effective float serves. A cross-court kill sealed the match at 15–12.

Standout Players

Chinese Taipei’s opposite hitter, Chen Wan-ting, was outstanding throughout, recording a match-high 27 points with a mix of powerful spikes and clever tips. Libero Lo Hui-ling kept rallies alive with 18 digs, while setter Liao Yi-jun distributed the ball effectively, finding four different attackers in double digits.

For South Korea, outside hitter Kim Yeon-koung (playing in her final Nations Cup campaign) delivered when it mattered most, scoring 24 points including three crucial kills in the decisive fifth set. Middle blocker Park Jeong-ah added 14 points and four blocks, providing a steady presence at the net.

Season Impact

The win lifts South Korea into second place in Group A of the AVC Nations Cup, improving their record to 3–1. Chinese Taipei, now 2–2, remain in contention for a semi-final berth but must win their remaining pool matches to avoid relying on other results. The narrow defeat will sting, but the home side showed they can trade blows with Asia’s elite programs. Head coach Koji Tsuzurabara will focus on reducing the unforced errors that proved costly in the fourth and fifth sets when they face Thailand next.