Hua Mark Indoor Stadium set to host World Grand Prix Pool H clash
The FIVB World Grand Prix has reached its climax this weekend when the world’s top 12 teams will be put to the test in their last preliminary pools to vie for the six slots including hosts China for the Nanjing Finals, with Italy, Dominican Republic, Turkey and Thailand testing their mettle in Pool H at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
After the first two weeks of tense battles in six host cities, namely Pool A in Ankara (Turkey), Pool B in Kunshan (China), Pool C in Apeldoorn (the Netherlands), Pool D in Sendai (Japan), Pool E in Macau and Pool F in Kaliningrad (Russia), Serbia moved to the top of the overall standing with 15 points from five wins against one loss, with the Netherlands in second place with similar points earned. World champions USA, Italy and Rio Games gold medallists China are in third, fourth and fifth positions with 13, 10, 10 points respectively.
Japan (9 points), title-holders Brazil (9), Dominican Republic (9) and Russia (9) are also hot on the pace-setters’ heels in respective 6th-9th places. Thailand (4 points), Turkey (4) and winless Belgium formed the bottom three teams.
With the last stops taking place simultaneously in Hong Kong (Pool G), Bangkok (Pool H) and Cuiaba in Brazil (Pool I) between July 21 to 23, the best-ranked five teams after the conclusion of the preliminaries on July 23, the final day of this year’s World Grand Prix Preliminary Round, plus hosts China will make the cut for the Finals in Nanjing from August 2 to 6. With just one day remaining before the kickoff, all is set for the third-week battle of one of the most-watched volleyball competitions.
The Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, which was used as the main venue for the last year’s Bangkok Finals, is also ready for hosting the Pool H encounters. Turkey and Italy will contest the curtain-raising match at 3pm local time on July 21, followed by the can’t-miss clash between Thailand and Dominican Republic at 6pm.
The Dominicans have already beaten the Thai spikers 3-1 in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands on July 9 and Thailand look forward to a revenge match before their home fans this Friday. On Saturday, the first match between Dominican Republic and Italy is due to be held at 3pm, while the host side will go up against Turkey at 6pm. The Dominicans will next challenge Turkey the following day at 3pm, with Thailand playing a campaign-ending tussle against formidable Italy at 6pm.
Thailand head coach Danai Sriwacharamaytakul is expected to field the similar line-up at the Bangkok leg. Hard-attacking Onuma Sittirak, Malika Kanthong and Thatdao Nuekjang are still suffering from injuries and likely to be sidelined for the whole tournament.
The final inspection to the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium will be held at 9am on Thursday, while the official press conference of head coaches from four participating teams will take place at the Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel at 3pm the same day.
