Fired-up China power past Thailand

It was the 14th time that China have beaten Thailand in the world’s premier women’s volleyball competition, with Thailand getting the better of the Asian winners on two occasions in the history of the competition, both in the World Grand Prix Finals including the 2012 edition when the Thais stunned China on the China Mainland for the first time in history here in Ningbo.
 
Thousands of Chinese fans left the competition venue on Friday night with great delights after seeing their side enjoy a comfortable win in the first clash against the Thais in the all-Asians battle.
 
Thailand did start well though on Friday and won the first point through some strong blocking. They stayed with China in the early stages of the opening set and narrowly trailed 7-8 at the first technical timeout. But the tall and towering 195cm Zhu Ting continued to find her range throughout the set and China pulled away to take it 25-14 after an ace from Ding Xia.
 
Thailand's attacking weapon Ajcharaporn Kongyot was doing her best to get her team back on track in the second set, but China and Zhu again proved too strong and took a 16-8 lead into the second technical timeout. A powerful spike from Zhu eventually helped the host side snatch the set with the similar margin 25-14.
 
The third set turned out to be a completely one-sided affair when China used their height advantage to attack spectacularly and block effectively to end the visitors’ challenge in the same fashion. China captured the easy set 25-11 and the match.
 
Ajcharaporn Kongyot scored a match-high 17 points for Thailand, while Zhu Ting top scored with 18 points for hosts China.
 
“They showed us their best performance. it’s a tough match for us. We could not play our own style. I appreciated the Chinese players who came up with their true spirit against our team. They are very strong in almost every skill and we have no answer with their attacks and blocks. However, I thanked my players. They also tried their best to fight against the Chinese. I think we learn a lot from this match,” Thailand’s head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai commented in the press interview.
 
“It’s a great experience for us  to play China. They are strong tactically and technically and we proved no match against them. I think we learned a lot of things in this match and hope to come up with better form in the next game,” Thai captain Pleumjit Thinkaow said.
 
Thailand on Saturday go up against world No.1, world champions and title-holders the USA, while China take on Germany.