Kim Malabunga took responsibility for the net touch that erased Alas Pilipinas’ near-upset of Iran in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship Thursday, Sept. 18.
Kim Malabunga could only bow his head in disappointment after Alas Pilipinas’ crushing five-set loss to Iran in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 23-25, 20-22 Thursday, Sept. 18.
Ahead 19-18 in the winner-take-all fifth set, the jam-packed MOA Arena erupted after Malabunga’s block appeared to seal a historic upset.
But Iran’s challenge review revealed a net touch on the 29-year-old middle blocker, erasing the point and shifting the momentum back to the reigning Asian Games champion.
“Hindi ko ma-explain kasi sobrang na-down ako,” Malabunga admitted.
“Akin 'yon, eh. Dapat panalo na 'yon kaso na out of balance pa ako. Sorry sa akin.”
[RELATED STORY: Bryan Bagunas relishes return in Alas Pilipinas’ FIVB Worlds debut vs Tunisia]
Alas Pilipinas: From celebration to heartbreak
For a few seconds, the Filipino spikers and their fans believed history had been made.
Alas Pilipinas, who already scored a breakthrough win against Egypt, stood one point away from eliminating one of Asia’s best.
Instead, the Iranians capitalized on the overturned call to eventually claim the match, 22-20.
Iran celebrates in the end. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
“Masaya naman ako kasi 'yong mga pinaghirapan namin nung nakaraang taon lumabas sa game na ito,” Malabunga said.
“Masaya naman ako pero sobrang nanghihinayang.”
[RELATED STORY: Marck Espejo after Alas' heartbreaking loss vs Iran: 'Sayang, kasi akala namin, sa'tin na']
Malabunga's lessons in defeat
Despite the sting of the loss, Malabunga stressed that the World Championship was a valuable step forward for Philippine men’s volleyball.
“Malaking impact talaga 'tong World Championship para sa amin kasi experience 'to para sa mga susunod na liga. Pagbutihin na lang namin para makabawi kami sa mga Pilipino,” Malabunga said.
He added that the run proved the team could go toe-to-toe with the best.
“Biggest lesson namin na huwag susuko kasi kaya pala. Sobrang laki ng iaangat ng men’s volleyball kasi nakita naman 'yong resulta. Hindi naman tayo basta-bastang bumigay sa game. 'Yong last two games namin, lumabas talaga 'yong pinaghirapan namin noong nakaraang taon.”
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA and various international tournaments.