Gallant Chang go down to Brazil's Sollys
Gallant Chang of Thailand fought hard against Sollys Nestle Osasco but failed to get past the taller Brazilians and went down in four sets in their opening match of the FIVB World Women's Club Volleyball Championship yesterday.
Before a small crowd of 220 spectators inside the Aspire Ladies Sports Hall, Osasco, aiming to go a step better than the previous year when they finished runners-up in the annual star-studded tournament, brushed off the three-time Asian Club champions 25-17 25-21 24-26 26-24 in Pool B.
Chang, whose players are all Thai women’s national squad which finished sixth in this year’s World Grand Prix, started dismally in the disappointing first set. Taking the height advantage, the Brazilians, who stand 181cm tall against the Thais’ 176cm, blocked and spiked spectacularly to win the set comfortably.
The Thai players regrouped to improve their tactics in the second set. Osasco were unrelenting in attack as they won the set 25-21.
Pleumjit Thinkaow inspired Chang’s comeback in the third set, scoring crucial points through her terrific fast spikes. The Thai team trailed the Brazilians 23-24 to win the hotly-contested battle 26-24.
The one-set win boosted the Thais. Chang continued their impressive form and came within a whisker of snatching the fourth set when Pleumjit put the team in front 24-23 and needed only one vital point to end the formidable rivals’ challenge in the set. However, the Thai players could not hold their nerves in the end battle, leaving the rivals to revive their fortunes.
Osasco came back to tie the score 24-24 and moved on to win the eye-catching set 26-24 and the match.
“Osasco played quite well although we forced them to play four sets. I’m satisfied with the scores. Many players in my team are still young. As far as I’m concerned, my team played much better than the previous year. However, we still have many things to learn and improve,” said Thai head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai.
Osasco’s head coach Moura Luizomar also praised the Thai team’s performance, but admitted that his side were not at their best yesterday because five main players in his team including Thaisa Menezes joined the national Brazil side’s training in preparation for next month’s World Cup in Japan.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s VakifBank Telekom Istanbul crushed Mirador Santo Domingo of Dominican Republic in straight sets 25-13 25-19 25-14 in Pool A.
Today is a day of rest for Chang. They will next take on Azerbaijan’s Rabita Baku on Tuesday at 7pm Bangkok time. TrueSport 103 will bring the Thai match live.
