SEA Games 33 heating up as the first medals revealed while the race speeding up for top teams and nations
Updates Day 8/12 at SEA Games 33 delivered high-stakes action across badminton, baseball, handball, and women’s football, with several Vietnamese teams entering decisive fixtures that could define their medal ambitions.
Where to watch SEA Games 33 in Vietnam – Top 10 Streaming sites
Badminton: Updates on Four Semifinals Set the Stage for SEA Games 33’s First Medals
Thammasat University Rangsit Campus was the centre of Southeast Asian badminton on December 8, hosting four semifinal clashes in the men’s and women’s team events. The four losing sides are guaranteed bronze, marking the first medal allocations of SEA Games 33.
- Thailand vs Singapore: The defending champions and hosts Thailand, boasting world-class talent across singles and doubles, entered as heavy favourites. However, Singapore—fresh off a 3–0 sweep against the Philippines—remained capable of springing an upset, particularly in the doubles rubbers.
- Malaysia vs Indonesia: Arguably the tightest matchup of the round, Malaysia relied heavily on world No.2 pair Pearly Tan/Thinaah, while Indonesia showcased stronger balance in singles. A gruelling, tactical battle was widely expected.
- Indonesia vs Singapore: Reigning champions Indonesia hold superiority in both singles and doubles, leaning on a trademark combination of pace and stamina. For Singapore to stay in contention, stealing at least one singles point was essential.
- Thailand vs Malaysia: Thailand aimed to harness home-court energy and sharp form, but Malaysia’s strength in men’s doubles made this a genuinely even contest—one likely to stretch to the limit.
All four semifinals promised pace, precision and dramatic swings of momentum. The winners advance to the gold-medal finals, while the defeated teams secure SEA Games 33’s very first bronze medals.
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Vietnam Baseball Must Rebound After Stunning 0–16 Defeat to Laos
Vietnam’s baseball team suffered a heavy 0–16 loss to Laos on December 7, exposing major vulnerabilities across pitching, fielding and batting.
Vietnam’s pitchers struggled for command throughout, frequently missing the strike zone and handing Laos numerous walks—free baserunners who later capitalised. When strikes did come, Lao hitters punished them with powerful contact, consistently pushing runners multiple bases and piling on runs.
Fielding issues compounded the pitching woes. The infield misjudged several ground balls and threw off-timing, while the outfield was slow to cut off deep hits, allowing extra-base plays to flourish. With both pitching and defence faltering, nearly every Lao hit produced scoring damage.
At the plate, Vietnam’s batters were neutralised early. Predictable swings led to weak contact and a high number of strikeouts. Without baserunners, Vietnam posed virtually no scoring threat across the game.
After three matches—one win against Malaysia but two 0–16 defeats to Thailand and Laos—Vietnam sits near the bottom of the standings. To keep hopes alive for a top-four finish and a medal-round berth, Vietnam must defeat Singapore on December 8. Only two group matches remain afterwards; failure to break into the top four would end the team’s SEA Games campaign.
Men’s Handball: Vietnam Opens Campaign Against the Philippines
Vietnam’s men’s handball team kicks off its SEA Games 33 journey at 13:00 on December 8 at Pattaya Indoor Athletics Arena, facing a physically imposing and fast-paced Philippines side.
Vietnam fields an 18-player squad highlighted by key names such as Minh Thuận, Anh Duy, Ngọc Quý, Thành Tài, and Thiện Tâm. The reigning champions from SEA Games 31 enter with a clear objective: defend their gold medal.
Women’s Football: Vietnam and Philippines Clash for a Semifinal Ticket
Vietnam’s women’s national team meets the Philippines at 18:30 in Chonburi in what is effectively a six-point showdown in Group B. This second-round match may decide a direct berth into the semifinals.
Vietnam leads the group after a commanding 7–0 win over Malaysia, showcasing sharp wing play, high pressing and varied finishing. However, the Philippines—known for power, direct attacks and physical duels—represent the group’s sternest test, having troubled Vietnam in several recent regional competitions.
A victory would place Vietnam firmly in control of Group B and bring them within reach of the top seed heading into the knockout stage.
SEA Games 33 – Schedule for December 8
Badminton – Women’s Team Semifinals
10:00 — Thailand vs Singapore
10:00 — Malaysia vs Indonesia
Badminton – Men’s Team Semifinals
15:00 — Indonesia vs Singapore
15:00 — Thailand vs Malaysia
Baseball – Group Stage
09:30 — Laos vs Indonesia
10:00 — Singapore vs Vietnam
14:00 — Philippines vs Malaysia
Men’s Football – Group Stage
18:00 — U22 Indonesia vs U22 Philippines — VTV, FPT Play, HTV
Women’s Football – Group Stage
16:00 — Malaysia vs Myanmar — VTV, FPT Play, HTV
18:30 — Philippines vs Vietnam — VTV, FPT Play, HTV
Men’s Handball – Group Stage
13:00 — Philippines vs Vietnam
15:00 — Malaysia vs Thailand
17:00 — Indonesia vs Singapore
Women’s Handball – Group Stage
11:00 — Thailand vs Singapore
Hockey 5s – Men’s Group Stage
12:00 — Indonesia vs Philippines
14:00 — Malaysia vs Thailand
Hockey 5s – Women’s Group Stage
10:00 — Thailand vs Indonesia
11:00 — Philippines vs Malaysia
15:00 — Thailand vs Malaysia
16:00 — Philippines vs Indonesia
