Back-back-an

by  Jonaxx

Photo by Kaiosmyth

Korea denies late PH rally, kicks 2024 ISTAF World Cup opener win 

BATANGAS, Philippines— South Korea came back after Philippines scratch their wings on 2nd set of International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) Sepak Takraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2024 with a spin of 15-12, 8-15, 15-11 scores, held at Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this May 18.

In their last encounter at the 2023 Asian Games, South Korea secured a dominant 5-1 victory against the Philippines in the women's team event.

Third Regu

The Philippines smacked the first service of the third regu, with both teams exchanging lines in the air.

The game was designed with Korea #10 rolling a spin, then PH #4 defied it with his broad back — fail — Korea scores.

Since PH #4 had holes in his built back wall, he could only respond with a full roll-spin execution, showing grit.

At the score of 10-6, with Korea leading, the Philippines sketched precise drop serves.

Korea fully decided to turn the tables with a shivering 4-point advantage and a 4-point gap to win.

However, for the first time, PH #4 aided his holed back, blocking Korea #10 at last, 11-8.

It was just give-and-take errors until the Philippines served too long, landing beyond the canvas of the court.

The final score splatted the Korean Tekong volleying the ball just over the net, which PH failed to lift, 15-11.

Second Regu

With a hardened back, Korea #10 fell to the countryman’s high toss, which PH #4 responded with a sunback kick during the second regu opening.

Both teams exchanged sprung scores until Korea #1 was subbed out by Korea #23 due to recurring monochrome errors.

The Philippines capitalized on Korea’s mistakes, igniting their momentum. Korea’s series of errors gave the Philippines a chance to tie the match and proceed to the third set, winning the second with a score of 15-8.

First Regu

PH #4 opened with a service ace, followed by a sharp kick from #5. From the start, PH #4 and Korea #10 introduced their markers with roll spins, setting up a high-stakes duel.

The teams mirrored each other’s plays: at 6-3, the Philippines netted the ball, but it still crossed to the other side. Korea attempted the same move but got caught on the net, giving the Philippines a 7-3 lead.

At 12-9, the Philippines delivered a long kick, but Korea #10 responded with a header—only for the ball to fall short on the ground, giving PH the point. Korea #10, however, trembled with determination and surged to tie the score at 12-12.

Prismatic on their side, Korea pushed further and waved to the shore of victory, closing the set with a 15-12 win as PH let the final drop fall with a simple touch.

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