Thai spikers hit by Piyanut injury on eve of semis

Thailand, who finished a well-earned fourth in the Guangzhou Games four years ago, scored a convincing 25-15 25-17 25-18 victory over unfancied Kuwait.

With the victory, Thailand finish third in Pool F and Kuwait fourth. Reigning champions Japan powered past China 25-18 25-20 25-17 to top Pool F, with China second.

At press time, hosts and AVC Cup winners South Korea were taking on two-time Asian title winners Iran to determine the Pool E winners. Thailand are due to take on the losers of that match in the knockout quarter-finals tomorrow.

“It was an easy match against Kuwait. We made good use of our height to attack and block them. We had beaten them several times, including in the World Championship Asian Qualification Tournament last year,” said Thai head coach Monchai Supajirakul.

“We next go up either against [South] Korea or Iran. The former are hosts and very fast and cover the court well, while the latter are a world-class team who finished sixth in the recent World Championship in Poland and fourth in this year’s World League. No matter which team we play in the quarter-finals, we will do our best,” he added.

Meanwhile, Piyanut Pannoy strained her muscle during practice on the eve of the women’s do-or-die semi-final against China at the Ansan Sangnokru Gymnasium. The injury caused grave concern among the Thai coaches because Piyanut is the only libero in the team. If they decide to replace the injured player with Tapaphaipun Chaisri, who has not played in the libero role before, Thailand’s attacking ability could be greatly diminished. Tapaphaipun’s forte is attack and she has been an excellent back-up for the top spikers whenever the Thai team have needed a cutting edge.

The injury has given the Thais a dilemma ahead of their semi-final today. Shanrit Wongprasert, honorary president of the Thailand Volleyball Association, says there are only two choices – play with a new libero, or play without one altogether. Asian champions Thailand are hoping they make the right choice.

 

Ogunode sets sights on Bolt

Asian 100 metres champion Femi Ogunode says he can outsprint Usain Bolt to gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro – even without the help of a coach.

The Nigerian-born runner took the gold medal for his adopted country Qatar with a continental record of 9.93 seconds at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, on Sunday.

Ogunode, 23, clocked the joint fifth-fastest time in the world this year despite dispensing with his coach four months ago and opting not to replace him. “I am fine without a coach, I know what to do,” he said.