Viet Nam continued to maintain their victory run in the International Women's Volleyball - VTV Cup, defeating Liaoning of China yesterday in Bac Lieu Province and thus staying put at the top of the charts. — Photo tinthethao.com.vn

HA NOI (VNS) — Viet Nam continued to maintain their victory run in the International Women's Volleyball - VTV Cup, defeating Liaoning of China 25-18, 26-28, 25-18, 13-25, 18-16 yesterday in Bac Lieu Province and thus staying put at the top of the charts.

It was their fourth win at the annual event, securing for them a berth in the semi-finals.

Despite their loss, Liaoning too join Viet Nam in the knock-out stage.

The third ticket went to North Korea who beat Thailand's U23 25-16, 28-26, 28-26 yesterday, setting up their next joust against Viet Nam.

In an earlier match, the Philippines came from behind to beat China's Nanjing 18-25, 20-25, 25-19, 25-19, 15-12.

It was the first win for the Filipino girls at the tournament while for Nanjing, it was their fourth loss in a row.

The victory helped the Philippines escape the ignominy of being at the bottom of the rankings, and keep hopes alive for a chance to enter the semis if they beat Liaoning in the final match of the qualifying round today. — VNS