Thailand regroups to gun down Japan
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Asian champions Thailand scored a magnificent come-from-behind victory over Japan in its first match of Pool A in the women's volleyball competition at the Songnim Gymnasium here yesterday.
The 3-1 victory was sweet revenge for Thailand, which earlier this month sent its young guns in defence of the AVC Cup in Shenzhen, China, but returned with a disappointing fifth place after going down to Japan and eventual winners China.
Thailand fielded a strong line-up yesterday that included Onuma Sittirak, Pleumjit Thinkaow, Wilavan Apinyapong and Thatdao Nuekjang.
In front of a big crowd of Thai spectators, the Thailand lost the first set 27-25 but regrouped and hit back mightily to take the remaining sets 25-18 25-19 25-21.
After the match, Thailand head coach Nattaphon Srisamutnark said the team had made too many errors in the first set, causing huge anxiety in the camp.
“Japan played very well with an excellent defence,” he said. “It was very close in the first set, which we had a chance to win, but we just made too many mistakes. Japan survived critical moments and hit us back.
“I think they played well offensively and defensively. Fortunately, we won the match. It was an expected win as we badly needed to win the first match against Japan to help boost our confidence.
“Our next match will be much tougher as we have to take on hosts South Korea. With hard-attacking Kim Yeon-koung spearheading the team, it’s not easy to beat them on their home courts.
“However, we have to do our best. Our goal in these Asian Games is to return with a medal, no matter what colour it is.”
The Thailand-South Korea match will be played tomorrow at 5.30pm at the same venue.
Thailand has been draw in Pool A with Korea, Japan and India, while Pool B comprises China, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
