Host spikers get tough draw for Asian Championship

Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Vinai Buapradit Vinai confirmed that preparations were on track for the long-awaited tournament. Home fans are looking forward to cheering on the spikers, whose reputation soared on the international stage last year with a best-ever fourth place in the star-studded FIVB World Grand Prix and their first title win at the prestigious AVC Cup.

Vinai said the nine-day tournament would be held in two gymnasiums, with the main venue at the Mall Nakhon Ratchasima’s MCC Hall backed up by the Chartchai Gym at Chalerm Phrakiart Stadium.

Sixteen teams will participate in the championship, which will serve as a qualifier for three major events. The eventual winners will represent Asia in the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup in Japan from November 12 to 17, while the top two teams – excluding automatically qualified China and Japan – will clinch places in next year’s FIVB World Grand Prix. Meanwhile, the top eight in teams in Nakhon Ratchasima will go through to next year’s AVC Cup.

Yesterday’s draw pitted the Thailand, fourth place at the previous meet two years ago in Taiwan, against Kazakhstan, Australia and Mongolia in Pool A, while Pool B comprises defending and 12-time champions China, Iran, India and the Philippines.

Pool C has world No 3 Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Hong Kong, while South Korea, Taiwan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar make up Pool D.

The group round-robin preliminaries will take place from September 13 to 15, with the hosts taking on Kazakhstan in the curtain-raiser. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, with the rest playing off for the 9th to 16th places.

“I think we have a tough draw with Kazakhstan joining us in the group. They are tall and powerful. Also, they have already qualified for this year’s World Grand Prix. Before playing us, they will have a chance to sharpen their skills against stronger rivals in that prestigious competition,” Thai head coach Kiattipong said.

“We will aim to finish first in Pool A. Next, we have to challenge Japan and that will also be a daunting task for my girls. 

This year, we will play Japan several times, including in the World Grand Prix, the World Championship Asian Qualification and the meet in Nakhon Ratchasima. The tough draw means I have set my team a modest target of a top-four finish in the Asian meet,” he added.

Thailand captured the Asian crown in 2009 after stunning perennial champions China in the final. Two years ago in Taiwan, Thailand went down 3-2 to South Korea in the third-place play-off while China reigned supreme for their 12th title.