Despite the defeat to the former three-time Olympic champions, the Thai girls can be proud of the fact that they came out much stronger this time. Against the same team in the same tournament last year in the Philippines, the Thais lost 25-19 25-17 25-17.

The improved showing of the players has brought a sense of satisfaction among the staff coaches. The team got a big applause from the Taiwanese fans for their brave display in the 4,000-seater gymnasium.

Cuba, led by high-flying Rosir Calderon and hard-hitter Nancy Carrillo, opened up a 13-11 lead before the Thai girls mounted a tight defence to close the margin at 13-all and surged ahead of the formidable giants 16-14.

However, Carrillo and Calderon took turns in spiking spectacularly to catch the Thais at 18 and stormed to take the opener 25-23.

Thailand played with patience and refrained from making any hasty mistakes. But although they got their act together in countering their rivals, the Cubans found spaces in the court to penetrate.

Thai head coach Suttichai Chanbunchee said the girls needed to work harder in some areas. "Their receiving is a cause for concern. I think we had a chance to win the first set, but they let it slip through their fingers," he said.

"Against Italy we have an uphill task but I am confident that the girls will come out with guns blazing."

Cuban head coach Felipe Calderon said the Thais' game had improved dramatically in the last two years. "It was a crucial match. Thailand have improved a lot. Their form is much better than in the Hong Kong leg. We still have many things to learn from the match," he said.

Earlier, world champions Italy struggled to beat newcomers Azerbaijan in a hard-fought five-set thriller 25-18 25-20 23-25 23-25 15-11. Azerbaijan today go up against Cuba.

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

TAIPEI