Thai spikers coast past Iran into semi-finals

The top two teams in the tournament will qualify for next year’s FIVB World Grand Prix, in Kazakhstan.

World No 12 Thailand, who finished an impressive fourth at this year’s World Grand Prix, took on Pool B whipping boys Iran after emerging as unbeaten winners of Pool A with victories over South Korea and hosts Kazakhstan.

Against the unfancied Iranians, the Thai team rested their stars and fielded a second-string roster of setter Pornpun Kerdpard, Sontaya Kaewbundit and Atcharaporn Kongyot. Iran, who have yet to win a single match in the biennial tournament, were once again overwhelmed as the Thais made their superior tactics pay.

Thailand’s victory sees them through to their third-straight semi-final at the tournament. In 2008’s Nakhon Ratchasima edition, the Thais finished third in the eight-team tournament, but showed improvement in climbing to second two years later.

In today’s do-or-die semi-finals, Thailand will play either South Korea or Vietnam, who were due to face off late last night.