CITY OF CANDON — Extending its streak of impressive performances, Kazakhstan delivered its biggest statement yet in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup.

Kristina Belova and Yuliya Fomenko came through with crucial points down the stretch as Kazakhstan ended its long run of futility against Vietnam with a thrilling 18-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-22, 15-13 victory on Friday at the Candon City Arena.

Belova and Fomenko combined for nine points, eight from attacks, in the tense fifth set, as the Kazakhs finished Pool B play unbeaten. Kazakhstan faces the No. 2 team from Pool A, while Vietnam (4-1) takes on the pool winner. South Korea and Chinese Taipei were set to battle for the top spot in Pool A.

It was a huge breakthrough for Kazakhstan, which lost twice to Vietnam in 2024, including the gold medal match in the AVC Women’s Challenge Cup in Manila, and again bowed to the Tran Thi Than Thuy-led squad in the semifinals of the 2025 AVC Nations Cup in Hanoi.

Kazakhstan also ended Vietnam’s streak of 23 consecutive victories dating to 2023.

“We had lost against Vietnam and this win was really important for us. We prepared for this and I think we did a great job,” Belova, a returning player from the 2024 silver medal squad, said.

Belova put up 21 points on 19 attacks and two blocks as Kazakhstan made it five wins in as many matches in the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and the City of Candon headed by Mayor Eric D. Singson.

Zhanna Syroyeshkina also scored 21, with 15 attack points and six aces, while Tatyana Yatskiv delivered 20 points on 17 attacks, two blocks and an ace.

Fomenko, a veteran of Kazakhstan’s previous two campaigns, had 13 points on nine attacks, three blocks and an ace.

Vietnam star hitter T4 was her usual dominant self, finishing with 25 points, all on attacks, but only four of those came in the deciding set.