Thais book berth for world finals

World No 12 Thailand, who finished an impressive fourth place at this year’s World Grand Prix, advanced to the final without losing a match. In today’s final, Thailand will take on either defending two-time champions China or hosts Kazakhstan, who were scheduled to play the other semi-final late last night.

Thailand fielded a strong line-up yesterday, with the same players that won a historic Asian title in 2009 in Vietnam. They included powerful Onuma Sittirak, Wilavan Apinyapong, Pleumjit Thinkaow and Malika Kanthong, who has just recovered from an ankle injury.

Thailand struggled hard in the first two sets as Vietnam, led by the 183cm-tall Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa, used their height advantage for effective blocks and devastating attacks. However, experience began to pay as Thailand wrested control to edge the first two sets .

The third set saw an acceleration of effort by the Thai team that forced Vietnam into a string of errors. Stretching the lead to a commanding 19-12, Thailand substituted their best players ahead of today’s final clash and sent on replacements including Atcharaporn Kongyot. Thailand wrapped up the set 25-17 for a convincing win.

The victory won the Thais a ticket to next year’s star-studded FIVB World Grand Prix, where 16 of the world’s top team will be vying for the prize.

Today’s final will be televised live from Kazahkstan at 6.30pm Bangkok time on Channel 7.