Published on June 27, 2005

[VOLLEYBALL] The Dutch women’s power and height advantage proved too much for the Thai side as the Netherlands pulled off a 25-19 25-17 25-14 straight sets victory in their final Group C match at the World Grand Prix in Beilun, south-east China, yesterday.

The Netherlands made the most of their height advantage with some of their players averaging 184cm against the Thai average of 177cm.

The Dutch girls unleashed barrages of powerful cross-court hits to overpower the Thai girls 25-19 in the first set.

The Thai team played their best in the second set and led for the first time at 6-3, courtesy of their improved defence and some great scoring by Amporn Yapha and Patcharee Saengmuang. However, the Thai challenge wilted and they lost the see-sawing battle and the set 25-17.

Thai head coach Sutichai Chanbunchee tried to reshuffle his players for the third set by moving Naruemon Khan-an and Nurak Nokputtha, but to no avail. The Dutch girls took the set 25-14 and the match.

Despite their loss, Sutichai said he was satisfied with his girls’ improved form.

“I think we suffered with poor receiving. We had attacking chances, but we blew them,” he said

“The Netherlands fielded players much taller than us and that’s why they could foil our spikes. I think we still have several mistakes to correct for the future matches,” he added.

Israeli-born Avital Selinger, the head coach of the Netherlands, praised Thailand’s improved standard, but said they need to work on receiving and serving.

“To improve their game, I think they need to work more on co-ordination and receiving,” he said. “The Thai girls played very well in the first set, but we had no problem in the remaining two.

“We will meet Thailand again in Manila. Let’s see if we can repeat the same feat over them.”

The next match between China and the US was a thriller. Athens Olympic and World Cup champions China put it past last year’s third place US 25-22 25-15 25-15.

The Thai squad leaves today for Manila for their preliminary round, second-leg meet. They will next compete against world champions Italy, three-time Olympic champions Cuba and the Netherlands.

The Manila meet will take place from July 1-3.

Meanwhile, the Thai men’s team suffered their third loss yesterday at the hands of Indonesia in the World Men’s Volleyball Championship qualification second round in Chennai, India.

The Thai team have lost to China, India and Indonesia in straight sets. With three straight losses, Thailand failed to make the next round.

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

Ningbo, china

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