Russia proves too good for Americans
Thailand’s Amporn Hyapha, left, tries to tip the ball past the Koreans.
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[VOLLEYBALL] Russia brushed aside the USA with a convincing 3 set to 1 win to shatter American hopes of qualifying for the US$1.4-million (Bt56 million) World Grand Prix Finals in Italy later this week, while Korea pulled off a sensational straight-sets victory over hosts Thailand.
The teams were among 12 countries - including defending champions Brazil, world champions Italy and Olympic gold medalists China - competing at the end of three-leg preliminaries that had previously taken in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Only the top five teams plus hosts Italy made the cut for the September 6-10 Finals in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Although fielding powerful hitters Amporn Hyapha and Pluemjit Thinkaow and being cheered on by a partisan crowd, Thailand failed to provide much resistance against a strong Korean side who won 27-29 18-25 22-25. "Praise goes to the Thais for a great match. They fought well offensively and defensively," Korean head coach Kim Myeong-soo said. Thai head coach Suttichai Chanbunchee however, was critical with his team's below-par performance. "It was a disappointing match. I think my girls made too many mistakes. We were leading the Koreans, but then committed a series of service errors that gave us no chance to recover." Earlier, unbeaten Russia proved too much for the USA, beating the American girls 25-22 20-25 25-11 25-23, to dominate the Bangkok leg, with the USA, Korea and Thailand finishing in second, third and fourth places respectively. At the end of all three legs of the preliminaries yesterday, six teams - Brazil, Russia, Italy, China, Cuba and Japan - qualified for the World Grand Prix Finals. The USA finished in seventh place.
Preechachan Wiriyanupappong The Nation
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