Thai spikers blunted by clinical Japan
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The Thai women's volleyball team failed to follow up on their stunning victory over European champs Serbia, going down to hosts and world No 3 Japan in straight sets in the World Olympic Qualification Tournament at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium yester
Thailand fielded a strong line-up of veterans from their maiden Asian Championship victory in 2009.
But against a Japanese side that had yet to lose a set in their two matches so far, Thailand began in dismal form, losing the opener 25-17.
The second set was closer with both sides exchanging the lead. However, Japan’s aggression combined with raucous local support from 6,000 fans at the venue saw them clinch the second set 25-18.
In the third set Thailand got closer to their superior rivals at 11-12 before the hosts stretched the lead to prevail 25-21. Thailand have this loss plus a win over Serbia and a defeat to Russia from their three matches so far but are still in contention for a ticket to the London Olympics.
Earlier, last year’s Latin Cup champions Peru sealed their first win in the top-flight tournament after beating underdogs Taiwan in straight sets 25-19 25-20 25-20. Taiwan, yet to win a single set, are bottom of the eight-team standings with a 0-3 win/loss record.
Defending and successive two-time world champions Russia continued their unbeaten streak. The towering team, whose height average is 188cm, yesterday powered past former three-time Olympic winners Cuba 25-19 25-18 25-20.
The third match, between South Korea and European champs Serbia, saw the latter come from behind for a dramatic four-set win, 16-25 25-21 25-18 25-20.
Today, Peru go up against Russia, Thailand take on Taiwan, Serbia challenge Cuba and hosts Japan play South Korea.
The round-robin competition continues through Sunday with the top three teams plus the best Asian side making the cut for the London Games. Eight teams including two-time World Grand Prix champions USA, reigning Olympic winners Brazil and Asian powerhouses China have already qualified for the Olympics.
