Alas Women Bow to Defending Champion China in Asian Games Opener

Alas Pilipinas Women opened their 2026 Asian Games campaign with a tough straight-sets loss to defending champion China, 18-25, 22-25, 8-25, on Wednesday at the Okazaki Central Park Gymnasium in Aichi, Japan. 

The Philippines put together its strongest showing in the second set, keeping pace with the world No. 7 Chinese side and eventually tying the score at 20-all.

China, however, found another gear in the closing points, with spiker Xin Tang helping the defending champions pull away and take the frame.

Alas struggled to maintain the same momentum in the third set as China built a 20-5 advantage. 

The Philippines found it difficult to get past China’s blocking and defensive coverage.

China maintained its commanding lead to close out the match in three sets and begin its title defense with a victory.

Alas Pilipinas Women will aim to bounce back when they meet Kazakhstan on September 17 as they continue their bid for a quarterfinal berth.