China beat Thailand in their semi-final yesterday, while Japan defeated Taiwan in straight sets in the other semi.

The Japanese team have not dropped a single set on their way to today's final, while the Chinese team were in awesome form against Thailand yesterday.

The Chinese faced a determined challenge from the local players, as well as an estimate 3,500 Thai fans who cheered on their team.

However, the slightly taller Chinese stayed cool under pressure and beat the less-experienced Thais in straight sets.

"China is too strong for my girls. Their blocking and spiking are second to none. Our attempts to block their high spikes were in vain," said Thai assistant coach Chanin Banjong-aksorn.

"I'm still happy with my girls' form. Against Taiwan in the third-place play-off, I think it will be a tough match. However, I believe my girls will go all-out in their final match of this tournament," he added.

Earlier, Singapore overpowered Sri Lanka 3-2 in the 11th place play-off, while Indonesia stunned India in a five-set thriller to take ninth place.

Preechachan  Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

Nakhon Ratchasima