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Published on December 13, 2007

 Nakhon Ratchasima

The Thai men's side will compete in the third-place play-off despite a win over Burma yesterday.

Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and reigning champions Thailand are competing in the 24th SEA Games volleyball women's event, while Burma, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam and title-holders Thailand will take part in the men's event.

In the men's event, Thailand earlier opened their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Laos, but could not maintain their form. The Thais lost to arch-rivals Indonesia in a hard-fought five-set thriller and to Vietnam in a humiliating 3-0 loss.

With the two losses, the Thai men's team have a slim chance of winning a berth to play in the finals and will battle it out in the third-place play-off.

Thailand powered past Burma 3-1 (25-15 17-25 25-17 25-15) to end their preliminary-round campaign with six points.

Vietnam tamed Laos 3-0 (25-18 25-15 25-19) yesterday for a similar six points from two wins. Today, Vietnam will meet the Indonesians in the final preliminary match to determine the winners.

The Thai men's team's dreams of defending their title may have been shattered, but the women's side is looking strong. Since the 17th SEA Games in Singapore, the Thai women's team have never lost a title.

The women pulled off a hat-trick of wins in the SEA Games in 1993, 1995 and 1997. In 1999, Brunei did not hold the volleyball competition, but Thailand hosted the event and retained the crown. The Thai girls continued their unbeaten run winning the gold in 2001, 2003 and 2005.

The Thai women's squad yesterday showed no mercy to Indonesia, crushing them in straight sets 25-13 25-15 25-17. In tomorrow's final showdown, the host girls are expected to take on Vietnam.

Preechachan  Wiriyanupappong

 The Nation