Later in the evening, Thailand will lock horns with former two-time World Grand Prix winners, the US, in the second encounter.

American head coach, Chinese-born Lang Ping, said every team in the event is very strong and her team has a fight on their hands to qualify for the final round scheduled for September 6-10 in Italy.

"Hosts Thailand are quite good and my girls will have to use all their energies to break them down. Thai players are not so tall, but their defence is exceptional. I don't think we can underestimate any team in the tournament. I hope my girls will do their best to reach the final round.

Thai head coach Suttichai Chanbunchee conceded that Russia and the US would be too strong for his girls, but is optimistic about the prospects against South Korea.

Italian Giovanni Caprara, the head coach of the Russian team, said there was a reshuffle in the squad after Russia took a silver medal at the Athens Olympics. Only four players, including 202cm tall Ekaterina Gamova and Lioubov Shashkova remain in the team.

"We are now second in the standings after the second leg in Korea. We have a good chance of qualifying. However, we cannot be complacent. We have to improve our tactics and play to the best of our abilities in every match," he said.

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

The Nation