Latin champs Peru in Thai spikers' sights

Yesterday’s rest day saw all eight participating training hard in preparation for their three remaining matches.

After four days of the 10-day tournament, defending two-time world champions Russia have yet to lose a set and lead the charge with 12 points from four straight wins. Japan and European champs Serbia are second and third with nine points from three wins against one loss, the former enjoying a better points ratio.

South Korea and Thailand have six points from two wins/two losses, with the former ahead in fourth thanks to a better points ratio. Cuba, Peru and winless Taiwan are trailing in sixth, seventh and eighth respectively.

Thailand beat Peru in straight sets last year on home soil in the World Grand Prix, and Thai head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai is bullish about their chances. “Peru are one of the strong teams we can’t afford to underestimate. They have a height advantage and have arrived much stronger this time. However, I’m convinced my team can beat them.

“We will field a similar line-up to the one against Taiwan. However, Amporn Hyapha will be replaced by Atcharaporn Kongyot. If possible, we will try to see Peru off in three sets. If not, we are prepared for a five-setter.

“After South Korea beat hosts Japan on Wednesday, our team’s chances [of Olympic qualification] ran into trouble. We have to win all our remaining matches – against Peru, South Korea and Cuba. It’s a tough mission, but we have to take it one match at a time. The show must go on and we have to go all-out to accomplish our dream of making the London Olympics,” said Kiattipong.

Today, Thailand take on Peru at 11.30am local time (9.30am Bangkok time), while Russia face Serbia, South Korea take on Taiwan and Cuba go up against Japan.