The Thai side headed into the game knowing that only a win would give them a top-three placing, which would guarantee a spot for the World Championship in Mexico in July.

However, the Thai girls were outplayed by the visitors, who clearly enjoyed a height advantage to win 25-22 25-16 25-19.

The Thai team, who are fifth on the table, were due to play winless Australia in their sixth match later yesterday before facing Taiwan in their last round-robin match.

Meanwhile, Japan, South Korea and China have already booked their tickets to Mexico, even be-fore the conclusion of the tournament.

All three teams are tied with 11 points, but the Japanese, who are to face Australia in their last game, have the brightest chance of clinching the trophy as they have conceded fewer sets.

Defending champions China downed Japan 25-20 25-20 18-25 22-25 15-12 in their sixth match but they have to be content with third position though they still have an easy match against Sri Lanka for their last game.

South Korea assured themselves the second place with a comfortable 25-6 25-9 25-7 win over Sri Lanka.

The South Koreans next face India, who are sixth in the standings with only two wins from six matches.

Fourth-placed Taiwan thrashed the Indian girls 25-14 25-13 25-20 to record their third victory.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation

Kamphaeng Phet