Indonesia showcased an exceptional comeback at the 2023 Southeast Asian Men’s Volleyball League (SEA V. League), defeating AVC Challenge Cup champions Thailand, much to the delight of the home crowd at the packed Padepokan Voli Jenderal Polisi Kunarto Gymnasium in Jakarta. The Indonesian team achieved a hard-fought 3-1 (21-25, 25-17, 25-23, 27-25) victory over Thailand, securing not only the First-Leg title but also gaining sweet revenge for their previous 2-3 defeat to Thailand at the recent AVC Challenge Cup in Chinese Taipei.
Both teams entered the finals with confidence, having previously won their initial two matches in straight sets against Vietnam and Philippines in the single round-robin tournament.
In another thrilling match, Vietnam staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Philippines 3-2. Despite Philippines, led by Steven Charles Rotter and Joshua Umandal, claiming the first two sets (25-22, 25-21), Vietnam retaliated fiercely to clinch the subsequent three sets (25-18, 25-23, 15-10) and ultimately the match.
As the First Leg concluded in Indonesia, the hosts emerged as clear leaders with 9 points from three consecutive wins. Thailand followed in second place with 6 points, earned from two victories and a single loss. Vietnam secured third place with 2 points, gained from a single victory and two losses, while the Philippines, unable to clinch a win, ended in fourth position with just one point.
