SONGKHLA, THAILAND — The race for the podium intensified on April 14 as the AVC Beach Tour 25th Samila Open 2026 moved into the knockout rounds, with top teams advancing to the semifinals following a day of high-stakes action in Songkhla.
In the men’s division, Australia’s Hood/Hodges continued their strong campaign, defeating Philippines’ Abdilla/Rosales in straight sets before edging Thailand’s T. Pithak/M. Wachirawit in a thrilling three-set quarterfinal clash to secure a place in the semifinals.
Thailand’s K. Dunwinit/N. Banlue delighted the home crowd with back-to-back wins, overcoming compatriots Netitorn/T. Poravid in straight sets before outlasting Japan’s Takahashi/Ikeda in a dramatic three-set encounter to advance.
Australia’s Potts/Pearse also impressed, defeating Oman’s Hood/Mazin and Indonesia’s Bintang/Sofyan in straight sets to book their semifinal berth, while Qatar’s Cherif/Ahmed secured their spot after dominant victories, including a straight-sets win over China’s Li Wei/Du Hongjun and Kazakhstan’s Bogatu/Gurin.
In the women’s division, Australia’s Rayner/Fejes advanced with confidence, defeating Kazakhstan’s Kabulbekova/Kurdyumova in straight sets before overcoming Thailand’s Naraphornrapat/Worapeerachayakorn in a three-set battle.
Japan’s Shiba/Reika maintained their strong form, eliminating Australia’s Fleming/Alchin and China’s Yu T./Qi S.Y. in straight sets to secure their place in the semifinals.
New Zealand’s Polley/MacDonald continued their unbeaten run, defeating Thailand’s S. Samitta/K. Somruedee and Japan’s Ren/Non in straight sets, while Thailand’s Patcharaporn/Salinda advanced after victories over Vietnam’s L.H.T. Minh/C.N. Lan and Philippines’ Progella/Pagara.
The semifinal matchups are now set, with Dunwinit/Banlue (THA) taking on Hood/Hodges (AUS), and Potts/Pearse (AUS) facing Cherif/Ahmed (QAT) in the men’s division.
In the women’s semifinals, Rayner/Fejes (AUS) will meet Shiba/Reika (JPN), while Polley/MacDonald (NZL) go up against Patcharaporn/Salinda (THA).
With the tournament entering its final stage, the battle for gold is set to reach its climax on April 15, as the region’s top teams compete for the championship in Songkhla.
Fans can watch the matches live on the official AVC YouTube channel, with full updates and results available at www.asianvolleyball.net.
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