The Cong Tan Cang ended Bien Phong's unbeaten run with a 3-1 victory in Vietnam's men's national volleyball championship on November 4. Tuoi Tre reports that the day's results also settled the semi-final pairings before the final second-phase group round.
Leaders Bien Phong will meet fourth-placed LPBank Ninh Binh. The Cong and Ho Chi Minh City Police form the other semi-final.
Wins among the title contenders
With first place secure, Bien Phong gave younger second-string players opportunities. The Cong won the first two sets 25-22, 25-22, according to SGGP and Bao Van Hoa.
Bien Phong responded by taking the third 34-32, but The Cong closed the contest with a 25-20 fourth set.
Ho Chi Minh City Police beat LPBank Ninh Binh 3-0. Bao Van Hoa records set scores of 25-17, 25-19 and 25-13, ending the home side's run of two defeats.
Lower positions remain open
Hanoi have secured fifth place, Tuoi Tre says. Ho Chi Minh City, Sanest Khanh Hoa and Da Nang still have positions to contest in the November 5 final round.
Sanest Khanh Hoa beat Ho Chi Minh City 3-1 for a second consecutive win and moved to seventh, immediately below their opponents. Da Nang also won 3-1 against Hanoi but remained bottom at the report's cut-off.
Tuoi Tre schedules the final classification stage for November 7-8, following the second phase at Phu Tho arena. The title contenders can now prepare for named semi-final opponents while the lower group completes its remaining round.