PHL men's volleyball team dethrones Thailand, earns finals berth

The Philippine men's national volleyball team are off to the finals after dethroning defending champion Thailand, 17-25, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 17-15, in the Southeast Asian Games on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. 

With the victory in the semifinals, the Nationals are assured of at least a silver medal finish in the regional tourney.

Bryan Bagunas' down-the-line hit in the deciding set finished the game for the Philippines.

Thailand was at set point in the fourth frame, 24-21, before the Nationals staged a 6-1 blast, topped by Kitsada Somkane's attack error to force a decider.

Kissada Nilsawai's block kill in the third set capped off Thailand's 4-1 spurt for a commanding 2-1 set lead.

Back-to-back quick kills from Philippines' Kim Malabunga in the second salvo equalized the game to one set apiece.

Thailand had a slim two-point lead in the opening canto, 18-16, before igniting a 7-1 burst, topped by Saranchit Charoensuk's service ace to draw first blood.

The Nationals will battle Indonesia for the gold medal on December 10, Tuesday, 6 p.m., at the same venue.

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

—MGP, GMA News