Samsung Fire On 8-Game Winning Streak

Coach Shin Chi-yong of Samsung Fire Insurance was bright in the run-up to a match against LIG Insurance in the 2007-8 Korea Professional Volleyball League at the stadium in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province on Tuesday.

“Today’s play was the best this season,” said Shin.

Given the fact that the team was leading the league with a seven game winning streak, this reporter asked if he has more good things planned. In response, Shin grinned and said, “Experienced players have stuck together and are leading the winning streak. I am very happy.”

He said that his three experienced players, Choi Tae-woong, 31, setter, Jang Byeong-cheol, 3, right striker, and Shin Seon-ho, 29, center, were not outstanding, but that they were doing their roles perfectly in attacking, blocking and defense while contributing to the winning streak.

In addition to them, Croatian player Angelco, who started with little expectations but adapted to the team style successfully, is also recognized as the best foreign player in the league this season.

Shin did not spare compliments toward his experienced players, saying, “Thanks to these players, my team puts out 80 percent performance consistently.”

With the smooth passing of the setter Choi and the scores gained by Angelco, Samsung Fire defeated LIG Insurance led by Lee Gyeong-soo, and Falasca Guillermo, 3-1 (24-26, 25-20, 25-22, 25-19), for its eighth win on Tuesday.

Angelco made 14 back attacks, four sub scores, three blocks, and recorded two “triple crowns” of more than three back attacks, sub scores, and blocks in a row following the previous match against Korea Electric Power Corporation.

In the first set, Samsung was attacked by Lee Gyeong-soo of LIG Insurance, leading to a deuce, and lost its dominance in the match.

However, Angelco’s strong serves and stable defense in the second set made the scores equal. At the beginning of the third set, Samsung seemed to be losing the game by 19-21, but thanks to Angelco’s two blocks, it finally won, 2-1 with five straight scores.

Meanwhile, Falasca of LIG Insurance will leave the team temporarily to join the Spanish national team for the European qualifying round for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, making LIG less powerful until January 15, 2008.

creating@donga.com