VietNamNet Bridge – The women’s sepak takraw team of Vietnam has had an additional 175 points after finishing third at the Super Series Palembang tournament, defending its second position in the world rankings.
The Super Series Palembang 2012 took place on February 23-27. This is a major sepak takraw tournament in the world, which is only behind the World Cup, for regu category (team).

The Vietnamese female team beat Indonesia on February 27 to rank third at the tournament, earning 175 points.

After Indonesia leveled the match in the second set, Lai Thi Huyen Trang was replaced by teammate Cao Thi Hai Yen. The latter used her height and windmill serves to help the team overcome Indonesia, who had prevailed against Vietnam 3-1 in the qualifying round.

In the finals, Thailand trounced South Korea 3-1 to win the championship. Thailand also won the men’s championship.

After this tournament, Thailand earned an additional 250 points for the women’s squad while South Korea had 200 points. Thailand still ranks first in the world rankings for women’s teams, with 1,000 points, followed by Vietnam with 725 and South Korea with 665 points.

Sepak takraw or kick volleyball is a sport native to the Malay-Thai Peninsula. Sepak takraw differs from the similar sport of volleyball--in its use of a rattan ball and only allowing players to use their feet, knee, chest and head to touch the ball. It is a popular sport in Southeast Asia.

Thanh Van