Manila: Alas Pilipinas marked a breakthrough in the FIVB Men’s World Championship after notching its first-ever victory in the tournament, a milestone that boosted the country’s standing in international volleyball. The team’s performance improved the Philippines’ world ranking from No. 88 to No. 77, placing it 19th out of 32 teams in the ongoing World Championship.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines is positioned behind France (18th) and ahead of traditional contenders Cuba (No. 20) and Germany (No. 21). Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, co-chair of the local organizing committee, highlighted that host countries with lower rankings are often expected to play only for experience. “Usually kapag host country at mababa ang ranking, pinapalaro lang for experience at honor. Pero ginulat tayo ng pusong Pinoy talaga,” he said in a press statement Sunday.
Alas Pilipinas made history by beating Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, for its first-ever World Championship victory. The Filipinos held six match points before falling to the Iranians, the defending Asian Games champion, 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 23-25, 20-22, in its final match on Sept. 18. “Our Lord has truly blessed our players and coaching staff,” Cayetano said.
Several Filipino players ranked among the tournament’s best performers: Bryan Bagunas – No. 3 in Scoring (70 points), No. 3 in Attacking (61 points), No. 7 in Blocking (6 points); Joshua Retamar – No. 4 in Setting (111 successful points); Steven Ybanez – No. 7 in Digging (21 digs), No. 5 in Receiving (23 successful points); Marck Espejo – No. 4 in Receiving (24 successful points), No. 7 in Blocking (6 points).
Cayetano emphasized that the milestone reflects not only the athletes’ years of sacrifice and training but also the growing passion of Filipino fans for volleyball. “We are very proud, but hopefully not only when we win. Their success is the result of many years of sacrifice,” the senator said.