Duenpen Areelua scored 17 points for Thailand to claim a straight-set victory [25-10 25-20 25-7] over unfancied Sri Lankans, who did not appear in the mood to fight, in their third match of the event.

Sunisa Srinual smashed a series of service aces to help the hosts open up a comfortable 13-0 lead in the opening game.

Then the visitors found their range and the points started flowing, but it was too little too late to prevent the Thai winning the set.

In the second set, the lead changed hands several times. Sri Lanka's Abeydeera Achini sent two straight smashes to close the gap to 24-20 but later her serve hit the net, handing the Thai side the set.

The Thai girls were more comfortable in the third set, holding a 16-4 lead during the second time-out before Siriporn Ketsanoy provided some deft finishes to take the match away from the Lankans.

"Our side have not found their form yet. They have to be mentally strong and cope with the pressures of the game," said Thai head coach Tanasak Ratanarasi.

"The second set was very close because we rested some key players. As for the game against South Korea, I admit that they are a very tough team but I hope our girls will make a good game of it," he said.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation

Kamphaeng Phet