Uphill task for Thais in Taiwan
[VOLLEYBALL] Despite not winning a match in the Hong Kong leg, the Thai women's volleyball squad arrived in Taiwan late on Monday night ready to revive their fortunes in the second leg of the World Grand Prix, which runs from August 25-27.
In the first leg in Hong Kong last weekend, Thailand lost a three-set thriller to Olympic champions China and then lost in four sets to five-time world champions Russia. In the Thais' final match against Azerbaijan they played well but were unlucky to lose a five-set marathon. In Taiwan, the Thai team face a Herculean task. Apart from Azerbaijan, they will also play world champions Italy and three-time Olympic winners Cuba. But Thai coach Suttichai Chanbunchee is convinced his team will win sets from their stronger rivals. "Winning a set from these world-class teams will be considered a great success for us," he said. "I think we have a chance to beat Azerbaijan here. In Hong Kong we won the first two sets, but lost our rhythm to lose the remaining three sets." The Thai team will open their campaign against Cuba on Friday at 4.50pm (Bangkok time). They play Italy the following day and Azerbaijan on Sunday. All the matches will be held at the 3,000-seater Taipei Municipal Gymnasium.
Preechachan Wiriyanupappong The Nation Taiwan
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