Seven-time SEA Games champions Thailand made a solid start, with the powerful Patcharee Sangmuang and hard-hitting Pluemjitr Thin-kaow helping their team to a surprise 25-23 win in the opening set.

Italy, bidding to win their first World Grand Prix title in two years, bounced back to take the second set 25-20 before consolidating their attack to take the third set 25-23.

Both sides put everything they had into the fourth set. The Thai showed they are in excellent shape ahead of December's Asian Games and matched the Italians point for point. But the Italians then stepped up a gear and shut out the Thais for a 25-20 win to take match.

"Everyone did a good job today," said Thai coach Suttichai Chanbunchee. "Italy are one of the world's best teams and to beat them is not easy. My girls performed beyond expectations.

Italy coach Marco Bonitta also praised the Thai girls.

"We had to rest some of our good players for the more crucial match against Cuba, but Thailand have become much stronger each year. I give them a thumbs-up for their brave fight," he said.

Preechachan  Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

Taipei