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Published on September 6, 2007

Nakhon Ratchasima

 A second-string Thailand proved a cut above Australia, pulling off a scintillating straight-set win over their unfancied rivals on the opening day of the 14th Asian Senior Women's Volleyball Championship at The Mall Nakhon Ratchasima's MCC Hall yesterday.

The in-form Thailand, powered by attacking Onuma Sittirak and Pluemjitr Thinkaow, thrashed the Aussies 25-13 25-11 25-12. With the victory, Thailand now top Group A. Tajikistan, also in the same group, withdrew from the biennial tournament just two days before the competition, leaving only two teams to contend.

"I rested several of my best players including captain Vilawan Apinyapong because I want them to be ready for the tougher matches against Taiwan and Kazakhstan," Thai head coach Nutthapol Srisamutnark said.

 "I am pleased with the form of the girls but they need to improve their skills in blocking and receiving, especially Malika Kanthong. I watched Taiwan play earlier and I think they performed way below their talent. They were much better than this during the Asian Games in Doha last year. But we won't be complacent or underestimate their prowess.

 "Thanks to Tajikistan's withdrawal, our team gets a chance to rest for two days. We will come back refreshed against Kazakhstan and Taiwan. If we beat both teams, we are sure of finishing among the top four in this tournament and that will be a huge success."

Earlier, Vietnam, who are Thailand's closest rivals in the SEA Games and who finished eighth at the previous edition in Taicang, China, two years ago, opened their campaign in an impressive fashion with a 25-11 25-9 25-10 win over underdogs Sri Lanka.

Taiwan, champions at the 2005 Universiade in Izmir, Turkey, and third at the Asian Games, showed no mercy to outsiders New Zealand, thrashing the inexperienced rivals 25-19 25-6 25-13.

Indonesia, coached by Chinese Li Qiujiang, and South Korea played out a thrilling encounter before the latter prevailed 25-17 25-19 25-11.

Runners-up Kazakhstan defeated debutants Iran, who were wearing their traditional Islamic dress, 25-10, 25-16 25-12.

Today, the spotlight will be on the match between Japan and Korea, while Uzbekistan take on Indonesia, Kazakhstan meet New Zealand, Taiwan face Iran and Vietnam go up against reigning 10-time champions China.

 

Preechachan  Wiriyanupappong

 The Nation