• 
• 

Nakhon Ratchasima -  Hosts Thailand got off to a flying start with a morale-boosting three-set victory over two-time African champions Egypt in their opening match in the World Women's Junior Volleyball Championship in The Mall Nakhon Ratchasima's MCC Hall yesterday.

Buoyed by a large number of cheering home supporters packing the 4,000-seater hall, the Thai squad played well to win the first set without much trouble 25-18.Hard-hitter Sirintra Srisuma remained in awesome form in the second set as she spiked spectacularly and produced several terrific jump serves to help the Thai side take the hard-fought second set 25-23.

The home team still gained the upper hand in the third set, where they led commandingly 5-2 and stretched it to 22-11. Egypt, which finished a disappointing 11th place in the previous edition in Turkey two years ago, poured everything in an effort of catching up with the Thai girls, only to find later that their determined attempts were in vain. Thailand, replacing the starting line-up with more substitutions, won the comfortable set 25-12 and the match.

In the press conference, Thai head coach Banjong Sombat said, ""I think my girls played nervously. It might be because they are playing on home soil in front of a large crowd of their supporters. We played without team captain today. I just want to make it a top secret why I did not field her in the match against Egypt. However, I hope our next match will be much better than this.

"Against China tomorrow, we have to play our form, trying to avoid unforced mistakes. They are tall and fast, we have to be more speedy against their attack. I don't think we will have pressure taking on the Chinese. Last year, we lost to them in straight sets in the Asian Championship. If we can win at least one set from China tomorrow, I think that's a success. I aim high that my girls can finish among top six in the tournament. If we cannot go this far, we have a slim hope of finishing eighth here."

Egyptian head coach Badrawy Hesham commented, "Thailand played very well. I'm not happy with my team's form. However, three main players in my team were not here. They are now competing in the African Championship in Algeria between July 17 and 24 and that's why my team lost easily today.

"We have nothing to lose in the match against USA tomorrow. They are much taller and stronger than our side. What we can do is just to maintain our form and try our best."

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

The Nation