Team Cambodia at the 2026 SEA V Cup First Leg. Photo from SAVA
CANDON, Ilocos Sur (UPDATED) — Cambodia stunned previous Leg 1 champion Thailand, 25–21, 16–25, 25–23, 25–17, to book its spot in the finale of the 2026 SEA V Cup on Saturday at the Candon City Arena here.
The Cambodians were previously winless in eight matches in the past year, but proved this time around that they are here to compete.
Team Cambodia also played spoiler to Alas Pilipinas Men, dealing the latter’s first loss of the tournament in Pool A that ultimately contributed to the home squad’s elimination.
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Voeurn Veasna starred anew for Cambodia, delivering 21 points on 17 attacks, two blocks and two aces, while Kuon Mom had 13 points on 10 attacks, two aces and a block.
Asked what changed in the past year, Veasna had a simple answer.
“The most that has changed is mentality,” said Veasna, who was also a former teammate of Philippine men's volleyball superstar Bryan Bagunas.
Thailand, for its part, is relegated to the bronze medal match of the competition presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and Candon City Mayor Eric Singson.
Top scorers for the Thai squad are Chaiwat Thungkham (20 points) and Amornthep Khonhan (17 points).
Meanwhile, Indonesia, another Alas Pilipinas tormentor in the pool phase, sealed the second and last berth to the title stage after turning back Vietnam, 25-22, 25-20, 25-22, later in the day at the same Candon venue.