Thailand lose to China in five-set Asian Games semifinal

KOMAKI, Japan — 21 September 2026, Thailand’s women’s volleyball team fought through five sets against China in the Asian Games 2026 semifinals on Monday before losing 2-3 and dropping into the bronze-medal playoff.

The semifinal was held at Park Arena Komaki in Japan, with Thailand facing China for a place in the final.

Thailand had been in strong form throughout the tournament. The team won all three matches in the group stage without dropping a set and then swept Indonesia 3-0 in the quarterfinals.

For the semifinal, head coach Kiattipong “Coach Ott” Radchatagriengkrai fielded his strongest lineup, led by captain Pornpun Guedpard, Thatdao Nuekjang, Sasipaporn Janthawisut, Pimpichaya Kokram, Chatchu-on Moksri and Kaewkalaya Kamulthala, with Kalyarat Khamwong serving as libero.

China was led by captain Gong Xiangyu, with star attackers Zhuang Yushan and Wu Mengjie also in the lineup.

Thailand and China battled closely throughout the match, which went the full five sets. Thailand took the first set 25-23, but China responded by winning the second 25-21 and the third 25-11.

Thailand fought back to take a dramatic fourth set 28-26, forcing a deciding set. China, however, controlled the fifth set and won 15-6 to secure a 3-2 victory.

The result sends Thailand into the bronze-medal playoff.

Thailand will face the loser of the other semifinal between Japan and South Korea on 22 September at 14:00 Thailand time.