A bloody battle that made postseason history

‘Defending champion’ Hyundai Capital advanced to the championship game for the second year in a row after the fiercest battle in men’s volleyball postseason history.

Hyundai Capital defeated Woori Card with a set score of 3-2 (22-25, 22-25, 25-18, 41-39, 15-12) in the second round of the V-League Men's Playoffs (PO) held at Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul on the 29th. Following the first game, he completed a 'reverse sweep' by winning three sets in a row even after losing two sets first.

4 sets of 57 minutes, new record created

The highlight of the match that day was definitely the fourth set. Hyundai Capital, which was behind by 7 points at 10-17, scored 5 points in a row, including Heo Soo-bong's serve ace, at 19-23, and succeeded in turning the score around to 24-23.

But the battle did not end there. Afterwards, as many as 15 deuce battles continued, and after Woori Card Park Jin-woo's serve was broken at 39-39, Hyundai Capital Leo's high-altitude attack exploded, ending the 4th set at 41-39. The 57 minutes required for the 4th set is the longest record for a set in the postseason, surpassing the 1st set (49 minutes) of the 2014-2015 season playoff match between OK Savings Bank and KEPCO. The combined 80 points of both teams tied the record for the championship game in the 2007-2008 season and tied for the most deuces.

Complete up to 5 sets with reverse electrodes

In the 5th set, Hyundai Capital fell behind 5-8, but succeeded in catching up once again. With the match point at 14-12, Woori Card's main gun Araujo's back attack left the court, confirming Hyundai Capital's victory.

36-year-old veteran Leo led the comeback victory with 39 points, the most for both teams, and Heo Soo-bong followed with 27 points, including 3 serve aces. In the Asia Quarter, Bayar Saihan also contributed to the victory by recording two serve aces in the fourth set alone.

Hyundai Capital, which survived dramatically, will begin the first round of the championship match against Korean Air in Incheon on the 2nd of next month, and also secured three days of valuable rest.