Young guns carry Thai hopes in AVC Cup title defence
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Asian champions Thailand left for Shenzhen, China on Thursday ahead of their title defence in the week-long 4th AVC Cup for Women, which starts today. But the Thai squad of mostly second-string players face a tough task and are eyeing the tournament as a
World No 12 Thailand clinched their first AVC Cup in 2012, with a maiden victory over Asian powerhouses China in the final in Kazakhstan.
But a schedule clash later this month between the Asian Games volleyball in Incheon, South Korea (September 20 to October 3) and the FIVB World Women’s Volleyball Championship in Italy (September 23-October 12) means Thailand have decided to split their squad in two, with the full-fledged side competing in the Asiad and the second-string team in the world meet.
But first up for the latter team is the AVC Cup title defence in Shenzhen. On Wednesday, national head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai announced that veteran Wanna Buakaew would strengthen an AVC Cup team of young guns featuring 15-year-old Chutchu-on Mongsri, Hattaya Bamrungsuk, Jarusporn Bandasak, Yupa Sanitklang and Kannikar Teepachote. “We are sending a second-string team of mostly young and inexperienced players, so our hopes are not as high this time.” Kiattipong said.
In Shenzhen, Thailand are in Pool B with Kazakhstan, world No 3 Japan and Taiwan, while Pool A comprises hosts and world No 5 China, Vietnam, South Korea and Iran. Thailand and Taiwan clash in the curtain-raiser today at 1pm. Channel 7 will televise all the Thailand matches live.
