LPB Ninh Binh is the defending runner-up of the tournament. Compared to 2 years ago, their force has some changes, but their squad is still highly appreciated with the participation of some stars such as Nguyen Thi Uyen, Dinh Thi Thuy, and foreign player Kuttika.
Their opponent in the opening match on the afternoon of May 16 is Suwon City - a successful business women's team from Korea. Suwon City has been to Vietnam to participate in the VTV Cup twice, so it is not unfamiliar to some Vietnamese women's volleyball teams.
Entering set 1, LPB Ninh Binh did not play really well, the coordination was not really smooth. Meanwhile, Suwon City played rhythmic attack, combined with quality serves. The Korean team played overwhelmingly and won with a score of 25-17.
However, the situation of the match changed later. In set 2, coach Thai Thanh Tung made tactical adjustments, helping the team maintain a better formation distance and better block against the opponent's hitters. Thanks to that, the defending runner-up of the tournament won 25-17, bringing the match back to balance.
In set 3, the two teams created an exciting score chase, the point gap was not too far. However, LPB Ninh Binh played better in decisive moments, with the excellent performance of Luu Thi Hue and Kuttika. Thanks to that, coach Thai Thanh Tung's team won with a score of 25-20.
In set 4, LPB Ninh Binh played comfortably in a leading position. Dinh Thi Thuy and her teammates played calmly, without making many mistakes. Conversely, Suwon City played somewhat impatiently, losing their composure, thereby losing with a score of 19-25.
In the end, LPB Ninh Binh reversed the score to beat Suwon City 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-19), thereby having a favorable start in Group B. In the next match, LPB Ninh Binh will meet Gunma Green Wings (Japan), and Suwon City will face Hanoi Tasco Auto. Both of these matches will take place in the afternoon of May 17.
Also in the afternoon of May 16, in Group A, China's Jiangsu Club had an important 3-1 victory over Binh Chung Thong Tin. The set scores were 18-25, 25-15, 16-25 and 23-25. Vietnamese Club played very hard, especially in set 4 but still could not make a difference against Jiangsu - a team that is very comprehensive in both attack and defense.
With this result, Jiangsu led Group A after 2 consecutive wins. Previously, they defeated host VTV Binh Dien Long An with a score of 3-1. With what they have shown, Jiangsu is a strong candidate for the VTV9 - Binh Dien Cup championship this year.
