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Published on September 13, 2007

Nakhon Ratchasima

The hosts lost the opening two sets 27-25 25-18 before powering past the Japanese 25-23 in the third set. But the Japanese proved too strong in the fourth set.

The excellent combination of Miyuki Takahashi's cross-court spikes and the solid blocking by Sachiko Sugiyama and Saori Kimura gave them the set 25-17, and the match.

"We lacked consistency. Setter Nusara [Tomkom] did not play well, while our defence was not that good," Thai head coach Nutthapol Srisamutnak commented.

"In some critical situations, they played nervously and failed to control the game. Anyway, I'm quite happy with their performance. They had too many tough matches, and eventually the fatigue began to tell."

Team manager Kiartipong Ratchatakriangkrai added that the mistakes made by the Thai team against Japan will be taken into consideration in finding solutions for major competitions.

The Thai team will receive a Bt1-million cash incentive for their splendid performance in the Asian meet.

Meanwhile, South Korea whipped Taiwan in straight sets 3-0 (25-17 25-16 27-25), defending and 10-time champions China overpowered Kazakhstan 3-0 (25-21 25-22 25-16) and Vietnam tamed Australia 3-1(25-11 23-25 25-21 25-11.

In the 9th-12th classification round earlier, Sri Lanka beat Iran 3-1 (25-23 18-25 25-21 25-13), while New Zealand were to take on Indonesia in the last match of the day.

Today, the final day of the biennial tournament, South Korea play Australia, Japan take on Kazakhstan, Thailand go up against China and Taiwan challenge Vietnam. TiTV will televise the Thai match live from 4pm.

 Preechachan

 Wiriyanupappong

 The Nation