Visakha (in yellow) took on the Bodyguard Headquarters side on Sunday, with Visakha winning 3-2. CVF
The end of the first round of the 2025 Techo Volleyball Cambodia League (TVCL) saw some long awaited underdog wins, but far too late to alter the standings.
Teams from Takeo and Pursat provinces were at last able to secure victories in the final matches of the TVCL’s first round, although the wins came too late to secure advancement to the second round.
Meanwhile, Visakha’s resurgence fell short of claiming the top spot from the Ministry of Interior and the Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ).
In the final matches – held over the weekend at the National Olympic Stadium – Takeo police defeated the Pursat police team in a close 3-2 match, before losing 0-3 to the Phnom Penh police squad. Pursat managed to end their campaign on a high note, narrowly beating the 3rd Intervention Brigade team 3-2.
Despite the late victories, both Takeo and Pursat ended round one with identical records: one win and six losses, earning only three points each. This left both teams at the bottom of the rankings and unable to advance to the second round.
Visakha, composed largely of national team representatives, displayed their strength in their final two matches. They handed the Ministry of Interior their first defeat of the season in a thrilling 3-2 match (scores: 18-25, 25-21, 16-25, 25-22, 15-11).
They followed this with a 3-2 victory over the Bodyguard Headquarters (21-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-18, 15-8).
Wooden spooners the Takeo and Pursat provincial police teams met at the National Olympic Stadium on Sunday. With just win and six losses each, both teams have been relegated from the Tech League. CVF
The two wins marked a strong return to form for Visakha after mixed performances earlier in the season (three wins and two losses), they were unable to dislodge the interior ministry and the BHQ from the top two spots.
Visakha finished third in round one, qualifying for the second round, ahead of Phnom Penh Police, Svay Rieng Police and the 3rd Intervention Brigade.
Aing Serey Piseth, secretary-general of the Cambodian Volleyball Federation (CVF), explained that the second round will see all six start fresh, with no scores carried over from the first round. This approach aims to enhance competitiveness and maintain excitement throughout the tournament.
“The second round will be restarted with new points, and all six teams will face each other again. The top four teams will advance to the semifinals,” said Serey Piseth.
“This means that even teams ranked third to sixth in round one still have a chance to claim the top spot if they perform well. This makes the competition more intense and engaging,” he added.
The reset scoring system ensures that no team can afford to relax, meaning fireworks are sure to fly as the league progresses.
