Japan break Thai hearts in thriller

The Thais have now lost three times to world No 4 Japan in a month, with defeat on August 27 in the fifthplace playoff of the FIVB World Grand Prix Finals in Macau, followed by a second loss two days ago here in the Pool F secondround match.

At the previous edition in Vietnam two years ago, Thailand also lost to bogeyteam Japan in the second round, but came back stronger to beat them in the semifinals before going on to defeat Asian powerhouse China in the title showdown to win their maiden Asian crown.

However, the Thais failed to repeat history this time. Japan showed their class during crunch moments and eventually tilted the match in their favour. They booked a berth in the final against the winners of the late match between China and South Korea.

Thailand started dismally, succumbing tamely in the opening set, before hard-hitting Onuma Sittirak launched a barrage to level the match. Japan stepped on the power to clinch the third, but once again Thailand showed character by bouncing back to edge the fourth set 25-23. With scores tied at 13-13 in the final set, it was anybody's match. But it was the Japanese who managed to cut out the errors with precision play to clinch the two crucial points and break Thai hearts.

Despite the defeat, Thailand can still win a berth in the World Cup in November if they win the thirdplace playoff match today.