The early stages of the V-League are not looking good.
The ‘absolute favorites’ are nowhere to be seen, and the existing structure is being shaken up by the performance of Asian quarters and up-and-comers.
Dark horses are emerging one after another, adding to the intrigue of the standings race.
However, we’re not even halfway through the first round of the regular season yet, so don’t make any predictions.
Korean Air in crisis and Woori Card on the rise
In the men’s division, Korean Air’s chances of winning four consecutive titles are faltering. Korean Air is currently 1-2 with only five point. 온라인카지노
The loss to Woori Card on the 25th was particularly painful, with a set score of 2-3.
This is an unexpected turn of events for Korean Air, who were expected to dominate this season.
The loss of Jeong Ji-seok, one of the best attackers in the league, to injury was a major factor.
On the other hand, Woori Card, who came from behind to win after 165 minutes, the longest time in the league, have won their opening four matches in a row (11 points) and are at the top of the league.
Woori Card, which was considered an underdog due to the absence of Na Kyung-bok and Hwang Seung-bin, has been making waves with young blood like Han Tae-joon, a second-year high school setter.
With the win over Korean Air, head coach Shin Young-cheol improved his personal record to 277 wins (214 losses) and set a new record for the most wins by a professional volleyball coach (previously 276 – Shin Chi-yong, former head coach of Samsung Fire).
Asian winds blow through the V-League
The OK Financial Group is benefiting from its new head coach, Japanese-born Masashi Ogino.
The team is currently undefeated in the league with two wins (5 points).
Although the team has only played two league games, it is said to be showing a much different team color after winning the professional volleyball cup (Kobo Cup) in the summer.
In particular, Coach Ogino has been focusing on blocking and minimizing errors on serve, unlike the previous trend of preferring strong serves, and so far, this strategy is working.
In the women’s division, the Asian players stand out, especially Megawati Pertiwi (Mega), an Indonesian player who scored the most points in the match (31) to lead the team to a 3-2 victory over visiting Heungkuk Life in Incheon on the 26th.
Kim Yeon-kyung (Heungkuk Life) played well, but it wasn’t enough. Mega burst into tears on the court after the game.
Mega, who attracted attention as the first hijab-wearing player in the V-League, has been turning heads with her skills since the start of the league.
Jung Kwan-jang is also cruising with a 2-1 record (5 points).
■ Still more than 2 percent behind…
Some teams are not performing as well as expected.
In the men’s division, Hyundai Capital is a prime example.
After reaching the championship game last season, Hyundai Capital suffered a shocking opening four-game losing streak this season.
Even with the return of Jeon Kwang-in against KEPCO in Suwon on the 26th, it wasn’t enough to prevent the loss.
It was also disappointing to see that the younger players were not yet able to play their roles.
Hyundai Capital head coach Choi Tae-woong said after the game, “Given their age, there are still players who need more time.
Jeon Kwang-in is leading the players well on the court, but even he is not in good physical condition.”
On the women’s side, defending champion Korea Expressway Corporation has lost three straight games.
The team is still reeling from the loss of key players like Park Jung-ah (Pepper Savings Bank) and Jung Dae-young (GS Caltex) to free agency.
It’s also bad news that Thai international Tanacha Suksot has only just joined the team.
“We’re going to take it slow,” said Kim Jong-min, head coach of Korea Expressway Corporation.
Similarly, IBK, which brought in Thai international Ponpun Gedpard, is on a three-game losing streak.
They are the only team without a single point.
IBK also needs time for the setter to integrate into the team.