Spikers scent Olympics after Peru win
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The Thai women's volleyball team powered past Latin champs Peru in straight sets, 25-19 25-19 25-20, to capture their third win at the World Olympic Qualification Tournament and brighten their chances of an Olympics berth.
The win put world No 12 Thailand, sixth at the last year’s World Grand Prix, third in the eight-team standings on nine points.
“We still made many mistakes today. To match the mighty Koreans in the next match, we have to improve our ball reception, blocking and counter-attacks,” said Thai coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai. “I’m still upbeat that we can make it to the London Games.”
South Korea are also on nine points – though with an inferior points ratio to Thailand – after their easy 25-8 25-12 25-18 win over underdogs Taiwan.
Defending two-time world champions Russia yesterday battled past European champs Serbia 3-1 (25-18 25-11 14-25 25-22) for their fifth-straight win, guaranteeing them a berth in the London Games. Serbia now trail in fifth with nine points.
Japan are in second place with nine points, but were due to take on Cuba late last night. Cuba had only one win against three losses.
Peru, with three points, and winless Taiwan are trailing in seventh and eighth and will miss the cut for London.
The top three teams plus the best-ranked Asian side (excluding any Asian top-three finisher) will qualify for the Olympics.
Today’s penultimate day sees Peru take on Serbia, Taiwan play Cuba, Thailand go up against South Korea and Japan face Russia.
