Angels downed by Taiwanese spikers

MANILA, Philippines — Kaohsiung Taipower displayed its full might against Petro Gazz and scored a 25-15, 25-16, 19-25, 25-20 win yesterday for an automatic entry to the quarterfinals of the AVC Challenge Cup at the PhilSports Arena.

The 10-time Taiwan national titlist used a strong start to gain the early headway and, after dropping the third set, fended off a fierce challenge put up by the newly crowned PVL All-Filipino Conference champion to claim the win and a two-match sweep of Pool B.

The Angels though could still snare a quarters berth in their group with a win over Hong Kong’s Hip Hing today.

Earlier, PLDT received a free pass to the quarters, thanks to Nakhon Ratchasima QminC of Thailand’s 25-10, 25-16, 25-12 rout of Australia’s Queensland Pirates in Pool D.

Both the High Speed Hitters and the Thais own a 1-0 record and the winner in their 4 p.m. duel in today’s final play date of the group stages will claim the top seeding in their bracket.

In Pool C, China’s Beijing Baic Motor completed a sweep of their group with a 22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-13, 15-10 win over Vietnam’s VTV Binh Dien Long An.

Creamline likewise stumbled as it fell to Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu, 25-16, 25-17, 25-17, to end up 1-1 in Pool A. But it could still make it to the quarters if the Kazakhs beat Jordan’s Al Naser today.