By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
South Korea finished third at the 15th Asian Senior Volleyball Championship, with a win over China in the bronze medal match.
The Korean men's team, which failed to reach the final after losing to Iran, beat the Chinese 3-1 (25-23, 25-22, 22-25, 25-23) at Aquino Stadium in the Philippines, Monday.
It's the third straight bronze medal performance at the biennial event for the Korean men, since they last won gold in 2003 in Tianjin, China.
They also improve their overall record against China to 41-30.
Korea won the first two sets and looked to have China on the ropes in the third, but the Chinese engineered a come-from-behind win to cut the lead to 2-1.
In the fourth set, the score was tied at 21 when the Koreans scored three straight points, powered by right attacker Kim Yo-han and center Lee Sun-gyu, to earn their first match point.
The Chinese pushed the score to 24-23 before Kang Dong-jin dealt the final blow to end the match.
Third place wasn't what the team wanted but the squad does feel good about the emergence of Kim Yo-han.
Due to Park Chul-woo of Hyundai Skywalkers and Moon Sung-min of Turkish side Halkbank Ankara not being on the roster because of a violence issue and an injury, respectively, Kim moved into the starting role at right attacker after being initially penciled in as No. 2 on the left side and the 24-year-old Korean generated decisive points in every match.
In the quarterfinal, Kim produced four consecutive service aces, frustrating the Indonesians. And against Iran, with the scored tied 26-26 in the third frame, Kim delivered an ace and a spike to take the set.
In recognition of his brilliant performance, Kim earned three tournament awards: the best scorer, best server and most popular.
He was also recognized by his team for his spirit on the court and his determined play, even when he was exhausted.
Kim was not the only Korean to earn an award.
Yeo Oh-hyun of the Samsung Bluefangs earned best libero and receiver awards, and Han Sun-soo was named the best setter.