Host girls ride hot form to second round

The world No 19’s 3-1 victory improved their win-loss record to 2-1 and clinched a second-round berth with one group match remaining, against Tunisia.

Terrific performances by captain Patcharaporn Sittisad and powerful hitter Jiraporn Chaymon paved the way to success for Thailand. Powered by jump serves that won her six aces, Patcharaporn emerged as top Thai scorer with 28 points.

Jiraporn was also in top form, bagging an impressive 25 points in the match. For Puerto Rica, Patricia Montero scored a match-high 14 points, highlighted by three scintillating blocks.

Roared on by about 2,000 spectators, Thailand took command in the first set with booming jump serves that earned them a 25-21 win, before Puerto Rico fought back over 31 exhausting minutes to clinch the second 30-28.

Thailand seemed to draw the energy they needed from the crowd, which raised its noise level and swept the home team to victory with 25-21 25-23 wins in the next two sets.

“It was a see-saw match,” said Thailand head coach Apichat Kongsawat. “Puerto Rico performed well, but we managed to score several key points at the end of the second and third sets.  

“I was happy with the home support and satisfied with our teamwork.”

Puerto Rico’s head coach Juan Carlos Rodriguez said: “It was very tough to come back from behind. [But] we have already qualified for the second round and will give it our all.”

Other matches on Monday saw Egypt down Tunisia 3-0 (25-18 26-24 25-12), Asian champions Japan stun European winners Poland 3-0 (25-15 25-19 25-16), Greece brush off Argentina 3-0 (25-15 27-25 25-19), USA outclass Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-21 25-15 25-22); Brazil rally to beat Slovenia 3-1 (15-25 25-19 25-11 25-15); defending champions Turkey gun down Peru 3-1 (25-22 23-25 25-17 25-19) and Taiwan crush Mexico 3-0 (25-12 25-19 25-14).