After going down tamely in straight sets to Japan on Thursday, the local side yesterday played cool under pressure against the Koreans.

The Thai team initially aimed to finish in the top four in the 12-team tournament despite the fact that they have already been given a berth in next year's World Women's Under-20 Champion-ship. Only the top two teams will be eligible to play in the World Championship.

Cheered on by a crowd of more than 3,500 inside The Mall Nakhon Ratchasima's MCC Hall, the Thai squad were in superb form to win 25-17 25-18.

"After we lost to Japan, I told my girls to learn from their mistakes. They followed my advice and that's what counted for our win," said assistant coach Chanin Banjong-aksorn.

"I'm happy that my girls played according to plan. I think we had nothing to lose and we did our best in a do-or-die match.

Against China tomorrow we will be no match against them. However, I believe my girls will

go all-out. To come this far is a great success for the team," he added.

Meanwhile, Japan have yet lose a single set in the tournament. The Japanese girls yesterday stormed past Vietnam in straight sets and next take on Taiwan, who had a straight sets win over New Zealand.

China also proved their superiority in the biennial meet by not dropping a single set. The Chinese girls yesterday thrashed Australia in straight sets and play Thailand in today's semi-finals.

Preechachan  Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

Nakhon Ratchasima