Takasaki, Japan, June 10, 2017 –
Hui Chae Song scored eight points in the final set as Korea endured a strong fightback from Turkey to win their FIVB World League Group 2 match 3-2 (25-23, 25-20, 20-25, 17-25, 15-12) at Takasaki Arena on Saturday.
Kang Won Lee and Song had 18 points each as Korea made up for their 3-2 loss to Slovenia on Friday.
Baturalp Burak Gungor was the top scorer for Turkey – who lost 3-1 to Japan on Friday – with 14 points.
Both sides now have 3-2 records in the competition.
The first set was tight but Korea were four points ahead at 18-14 after a block by Lee before Turkey closed to within one at 19-18. Korea dug in and earned three set points before closing out the set at 25-23.
Park Joo Hyeong had seven points for Korea in the opening set in which Korea only earned one blocking point to Turkey's four.
Turkey jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the second set but Korea levelled at 5-5 before turning things around in the second phase and leading 16-11. As Korea served well, Turkey struggled with reception and passing and Korea cruised to a 2-0 lead. Lee had five points for Korea in the second set.
Korea gave themselves to much to do after falling behind 16-11 in the third set although some great defence helped them close to within two at 21-19.
Serhat Coskun blasted set point and when Korea failed to return a serve, the score was 2-1 and Turkey were back in the mix.
Korea's Song earned himself a yellow card in the fourth set as Korea started to creak under Turkey's pressure. After building a 16-9 lead, everything pointed toward a fifth set. continued to have the momentum and claimed the fourth set 25-17.
Korea raced to a six-point lead at the turnaround as Song and Korea took control in the tiebreaker. The Koreans had to sweat a bit when Turkey closed to 12-10, but Lee earned match point with a brilliant block and first-time spike before Song ended the tie with a solid kill.
