Takahashi grateful for Filipino fan support

(UPDATE) JAPAN'S Ran Takahashi made sure to show his appreciation to his Filipino fans following his return here in the Philippines when he played for the Japanese national team against China in the 2023 Volleyball Nations League at the Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday, July 4.

CROWD FAVORITE Japan’s Ran Takahashi PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

Takahashi punched in 14 points as he helped Japan repulse China, 26-24, 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-12, to stay perfect at 9-0 in the 16-team tournament.

The open spiker said that the Filipino fans gave him and his team an extra shot of energy as they completed their comeback bid against the Chinese.

“Finally, I came back here [to] the Philippines, and I'm pleased. The Philippine fans are amazing, so I'm pleased to play here. The feeling here is good, the Philippine fans gave me a good energy, and I appreciate them. I appreciate you, and I hope to see you soon,” said Takahashi.

“Our feeling was kind of down, and we were kind of nervous today, so we had to find the solution for the first set. In the second set, we did a change of mindset, said Takahashi.

With three games to go, Takahashi hopes Japan will play more fluidly in their bid to stay spotless in the preliminary round albeit they are already assured of making the next phase of the tournament.

“We have to find the solution to play. Next match, I hope we can win easily against China. We have three matches. We play against [the Netherlands], Italy and Poland.”

Japan will next play the Netherlands on Friday, July 7, still at the Mall of Asia Arena.