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Published on September 8, 2007

Olympic champions China fielded a strong line-up that included Yang Hao, Xue Ming and Zhou Suhong in a squad that had beaten world champions Russia and reigning champs Brazil in straight sets in the recent World Grand Prix.

The formidable Chinese allowed the Sri Lankans only 20 points while wrapping up a 25-6 25-6 25-8 victory.

Elsewhere, New Zealand edged out Iran 3-1 (25-23 25-20 20-25 27-25) and Kazakhstan tamed Chinese Taipei 3-0 (25-22 25-16 25-16), while Japan breezed past Indonesia 3-0 (25-16 25-15 25-13). Korea were to play Uzbekistan in the last match of the day.

At the end of the round-robin preliminaries yesterday, hosts Thailand topped Pool A, followed by Australia. China emerged top in Pool B, followed by Vietnam and winless Sri Lanka. Kazakhstan clinched pole position in Pool C. Chinese Taipei finished second, with New Zealand and Iran third and fourth.

As expected, unbeaten Japan topped Pool D, followed by Korea, Indonesia and Uzbekistan.

Teams finishing third and fourth in each pool will compete in the 9th-14th classification round, while the top eight teams will play in the 1st-8th round. All matches will be played in a round-robin format.

Today, Sri Lanka take on Uzbekistan in the 9th-14th classification round in Pool H. In the 1st-8th classification round, Kazakhstan play Australia and Thailand challenge Taiwan in Pool E, while Japan face Vietnam and China lock horns with Korea in Pool F.

Though the task is tough, Thailand are ready to take up the challenge from arch-rivals Taiwan.

The Thais are fresh and raring to go after taking a two-day rest. Head coach Nutthapol Srisamutnak said his girls were confident of defeating Taiwan. "Kazakhstan beating Taiwan was not surprising. But on the whole Taiwan have improved a lot.

"I want my girls to show more consistency. Taiwanese are weak in serves and I hope our girls will not make many mistakes in first-ball reception," he said.

He turned his attention to Kazakhstan. "It's not easy to beat them. We have already lost to them twice, including at the 13th Asian Women's Club Championship in Vietnam in June where we finished second.

"We have to avoid their high blocks. They are much taller than our girls and always come out with relentless attacks," he said.

Nutthapol said his starting line-up would consist of setter Nussara Tomkom, Pluemjitr Thinkaow, Rattanaporn Sanuanrum, Onuma Sitthirak, Naruemol Khan-an and either Malika Kanthong or Vilawan Apinyapong.

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

NAKHON RATCHASIMA