Philippine bets Dela Noche and Iraya, who are both new to an international tournament, fell short to the host team’s pair of Netitorn Muneekul and Wachirawit Muadpha in their opening match.

“We gave our very best,” averred Iraya, who alongside De la Noche are vying for an FIVB U21 Beach Volleyball World Championships berth.

The Filipino pair, however, gave the Thais a good fight and even gave everything they had in the opening salvo, which saw Dela Noche and Iraya taking a 15-13 lead before the hosts recovered with their solid plays.

In the second set, the Filipino duo managed to keep the game close but Netitorn and Wachirawit administered a 17-12 advantage and never looked back. 

Thailand-1 now holds a quarterfinals spot after winning their opening match against Iran-2’s Amir Reza Zamani and Armin Kami, 21-12, 19-21, 16-14, in Pool A on Saturday. 

The duo from Victorias City, Negros Occidental, whose participation in the tournament is supported by Philippine Sports Commission and Rebisco, is looking to bounce back as they got the feel of the international arena. 

With its current standing, Dela Noche and Iraya, who are the eighth seed in the 13-team tournament, are positioned in a do-or-die match against ninth seed Iran in their final elimination round match tomorrow, Monday, July 5, 2021, to make it to the next round.