Taiwan secures first ever runner-up finish at AVC Women's Volleyball Cup

Taipei, June 15 (CNA) The Taiwan team finished second at the 2026 AVC Women's Volleyball Cup in the Philippines, recording its best performance in the annual tournament, in the championship match against South Korea on Sunday.

In the match at Candon City Arena in Candon, Ilocos Sur, Taiwan concluded a breakthrough campaign at the tournament, which was held June 6-14.

Despite the 25-19, 25-19, 25-22 loss to South Korea, the Taiwan team secured its best result at the tournament and at predecessor tournaments, the AVC Challenge Cup and AVC Nations Cup, where Taiwan had won bronze medals twice.

South Korea won the championship title in its debut in the tournament after being relegated from the Volleyball Nations League last season.

Taiwan entered the final seeking revenge after losing a five-set thriller to South Korea during the preliminary round.

After advancing to the semifinals as the second-place team in its group, Taiwan swept Kazakhstan 25-23, 25-16, 25-14 on Saturday to reach the title match for the first time in the tournament's history.

In Sunday's final, South Korea controlled much of the match despite Taiwan's strong defensive efforts and a late comeback attempt in the third set.

South Korea captain and outside hitter Kang Sohwi scored 14 points, while Taiwan opposite hitter Chang Yi-chi (張稦豈) delivered a match-high 16 points in the losing effort.

Taiwan finished the competition with five wins and two losses, with both defeats coming against eventual champion South Korea.

Taiwan's performance was further recognized when three players were named to the tournament's Dream Team, tying South Korea for the most selections. Tsai Yu-chun (蔡幼群), Chen Ciao-en (陳喬恩) and Lin Chi-jung (林其蓉) earned honors as Best Outside Hitter, Best Middle Blocker, and Best Libero, respectively.

The other Dream Team selections were South Korea captain and tournament MVP Kang Sohwi, her teammates Na Hyun-soo and Park Eun-jin, and Vietnam setter Vo Thi Kim Thoa.

Taiwan head coach Teng Yen-min (鄧衍敏) said the national team was assembled from top players across Taiwan.

Building unity and teamwork was a key priority, Teng said. Rather than relying on individual stars, the team members focused on helping each other and learning from every tournament experience, she said.

Taiwan will now turn its attention to the Asian Games in Nagoya in September, Teng added.