Thailand’s young guns struggle to hit form before stunning hosts 3-0

Against the host side, Thailand fielded several young players to gain experience and exposure. Led by lone veteran Malika Kanthong, the Thailand’s line-up featured setter Tichaya Boonlert, Pimpichaya Kokram, Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Hattaya Bamrungsuk and Thatdao Nuekjang, while Vietnam were strong with the likes of hefty Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa.

Both teams opened up with almost the same level as they traded points from the very beginning to see the score tied 6-6 and again 10-10. Nonetheless,  hard-hitting Tran Thi Thanh Thuy became a major force for Vietnam to be reckoned with when the 187cm-tall spiker used her height advantage to attack powerfully to put the home team in front  14-11 and stretch it to 22-17. Thailand sent in veteran Wilavan Apinyapong to improve the critical situation. The strong visitors started to produce the goods since then to catch up with the host team 24-24. Thailand went on their fine form to advance 27-26 before a solid block by Hattaya and Tichaya handed them the hard-fought win 28-26.

Thailand gained the upper hand in the second set, with Thatdao tearing the Vietnamese defence with her exceptional sliding attacks and Ajcharaporn producing powerful mid-court spikes. After taking a commanding 21-15 lead, the visitors maintained their poise and played consistently to take the set 25-18.

The third set initially turned out to be a one-sided battle when Thailand led from the start 16-8. Cheered on by drum-beating home fans, Vietnam tried to make a comeback and their more determination almost bore fruits. Tran Thi Thanh Thuy attacked aggressively to help Vietnam reduce the gap 15-21 and 19-23. Thailand’s head coach Danai Sriwacharamethakul called a timeout to improve his team’s fortunes. His intention paid off eventually when Thailand won a tough match 25-22 and match.

Ajcharaporn Kongyot scored a match-high 14 points, while Pham Thi Kim Hue tallied 12 points for Vietnam.

“Vietnam played well in this match with good attacks and defence. We tried hard to beat them in the first set, but that was not easy. Our young players came up with unforced mistakes and we then decided to send in experienced players to help boost our chance. In the second set, we played more relaxed, while Vietnam could not maintain their form. We blocked well and our serves also worked out impressively. In the third set, we suffered on attacking. Fortunately, we regained our form at the final assault to win the match,” said Thailand’s head coach Danai Sriwacharamethakul after the match.

“We next take on Iran. I think they are also coming stronger this time. However, compared with Vietnam and Chinese Taipei, I think we can match the Iranians easier than the first two. If we beat Iran, we will top Pool A and are likely to play Korea in the knockout quarter-finals. They are young, but we have to play more carefully if we want to beat them for a place in the semi-finals.”