Vietnamese volleyball ace Tran Thi Thanh Thuy makes her return to the Philippines for the first time since 2022.
Vietnam’s ace Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, more commonly known as T4, is back in the Philippines for the first time in two years.
Back in the 2022 AVC Cup for Women at the PhilSports Arena, T4 lead Vietnam to a fourth-place finish, just behind Asian volleyball powerhouses Japan, China, and Thailand.
During that tournament, T4 powered her Vietnam team to a straight-sets victory over the Creamline Cool Smashers-backed Philippine national team, which finished in sixth place.
Now back in the Philippines for the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, Vietnam will be looking to defend its title to qualify to the for the FIVB Challenge Cup.
But in the defending champions' first game of the tournament, T4 opted to sit out as she recovers from a knee injury.
Nevertheless, the Vietnamese went on to dominate Hong Kong for a straight-sets victory in Pool B, 25-13, 25-17, 25-16.
Being in Pool B, a Vietnam-Alas Pilipinas rematch will not be on the cards until the tournament's final round. The Philippines is in Pool A and will debut Thursday, May 23.
Still, T4 expressed her excitement about being back in the Philippines.
"This is not the first time I’m here [in the Philippines]. It feels similar [like the last time] because everybody is very friendly. They welcomed us so I’m very happy," bared the Vietnamese skipper.
It's still unclear when Thuy will be able to play for Vietnam, but she clearly wants the team to improve on some facets of their game if are want to secure back-to-back titles in the tournament.
"I think our team needs to improve our reception because that is also a key for the wins. I hope for the next match, our team can improve on that skill."
T4 and Vietnam will look to go spotless as they face Singapore tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.