China's Tianjin out to spike Thai hopes in Korat

Former three-time winners Tianjin Bridgestone of China, unbeaten en route to the semi-finals, crushed Vietnam’s Binh Dien Long An 25-17 25-12 25-13 yesterday to go up against three-time champions Chang of Thailand, the team they lost to in last year’s showdown.

“I admit my team did not play well against Binh Dien today,” Tianjin’s head coach Wang Baoquan said after the match. “They made several mistakes, especially libero Wang Qian, who is recovering from an upset stomach. We have to train much harder in preparation for a tougher match against the hosts in the semi-finals tomorrow [today].”

Earlier, Kazakhstan’s Zhetyssu outclassed Iran’s Gitipasand 25-21 25-8 25-13, while Japan’s Toray Arrows breezed past Burma’s Asia World VC in a one-sided battle that ended 25-6 25-11 25-7. Thailand’s Chang were due to take on Malaysia’s San Barbara Polo & Racquet in last night’s late match and expected to thrash the unfancied visitors in straight sets.

The 5th-8th classification round today sees San Barbara play Binh Dien and Gitipasand take on Asia World. 

The eventual winners from this top-flight tournament will secure Asia’s lone berth for the FIVB World Women’s Club Volleyball Championship to be held in October in Qatar.