[Nagoya AG] Men’s Volleyball Cruises to 3-0 Victory Over Philippines in Group Stage Opener
Lim Seongjin Scores 13 Points
The South Korea men's volleyball team (ranked 35th in the world) has defeated the Philippines (ranked 113th) in its first group stage match of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Led by head coach Isanaye Ramirez, the national team secured a 3-0 (25-16, 27-25, 25-22) victory over the Philippines in a Group D group stage match held on September 27 at Park Arena Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
South Korea dominated the Philippines with strong firepower in the first set. At 11-9, the team extended the lead by scoring three consecutive points, capitalizing on a series of errors by the opposing team and a block by Han Taejun (Woori Card).
The momentum continued at 15-11, as South Korea scored back-to-back points through a service error by the Philippines and a back-row attack by Jung Hanyong (Korean Air). Lim Donghyeok (Korean Air) and Jung Hanyong combined for 8 points in the first set.
In the second set, South Korea faced some challenges. After a close battle, they conceded consecutive points at 22-21, allowing the Philippines to take the lead. The set went to deuce, and when South Korea failed to defend against an attack at 24-24, they faced the threat of dropping the set. However, at 24-25, consecutive service and attack errors by the Philippines allowed South Korea to snatch the set, pulling ahead 2-0.
Struggling against the Philippines’ quick attacks from the center, South Korea managed to reverse the score at 14-15 in the third set with consecutive attacks by Choi Junhyeok (Korean Air) and Lim Seongjin (Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps), as well as an opponent’s attack error, scoring three points in a row. In every crucial moment, the team relied on Lim Donghyeok to maintain momentum; Lim successfully converted attacks at 17-17 and 19-18.
At 21-20, a service error by the Philippines and a service ace by Lee Sanghyeon (Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps) extended South Korea’s lead to three points, sealing the victory.
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Lim Seongjin led the team with a match-high 13 points. South Korea will face Taiwan (ranked 55th) tomorrow and China (ranked 34th) on the 29th. A top-two finish in the group will secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
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