Thailand show their resilient side to beat Serbia
Asian champions Thailand scored their fist win in the FIVB World Grand Prix yesterday when they pulled off a stunning 3-2 (25-19 18-25 20-25 25-19 15-13) victory over world No 7 Serbia in their second Pool B clash at the Hwaseong Gymnasium yesterday.
For Thailand, it was the third successive win over Serbia. They met twice in 2012 and Thailand won on both occasions at the World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Tokyo and the World Grand Prix in Bangkok.
Serbia, bronze medallists in the tournament, fielded a strong line-up including Brankica Mihajlovic and Milena Rasic, who won the Best Outsider Spiker and the Best Middle Blocker Awards last year, while Thailand kept their faith in the same roster that played in the last match, which included Onuma Sittirak, Pluemjit Thinkaow and Wilavan Apinyapong.
The match began at a fierce pace, with Onuma and Pluemjit grounding some huge spikes for Thailand through the set to take a comfortable 22-16 lead. The Serbians made some characteristic mistakes and although they fought back towards the end of the game, it was too late. Thailand shut out the first game 25-19.
Serbia moved up a gear in the second game as they looked to pull one back. With Mihajlovic hitting past the smaller Thai blockers with her devastating spikes, Serbia held a commanding 23-17 lead for good. They allowed Thailand only one more point to wrap up the game 25-18.
The third game kicked off with an inspired Mihajlovic scoring well for Serbia and an aggressive Onuma striking back for Thailand. However, though cheered on by hundreds of Korea-based Thai employees, Thailand struggled to hit form. Serbia closed the game 25-20 for a 2-1 lead.
The fourth game started off evenly, with neither team managing to gain a decisive advantage. Serbia led initially 8-7. However, Thailand came back strongly, with small-built Tapaphaipun Chaisri and Malika Kanthong overcoming the taller blockers with their fierce attacks to help put the Thai team in front 23-18.
Thailand stole the limelight to lead 6-3 in the deciding game, but Serbia showed their never-say-die attitude. After a heart-pounding battle, Thailand took the game and the match.
“We played very well today. To beat Serbia is not that easy. They are very tall and their blocks very high. We won just because my players are very determined. They helped each other and combined well in the match. We next take on Germany. I won’t say that we can beat them despite the fact that they have already lost two matches. Now, my goal of seeing my team win at least one match in each of the three weeks of the World Grand Prix has been fulfilled. We must continue our form to keep winning,” Thai head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai said.
The opening encounter earlier saw hosts South Korea enjoy their second straight win. After beating Thailand 3-1 the previous day, the Koreans entertained their home crowd with a dazzling display by pulling off a magnificent come-from-behind 3-1 (21-25 25-20 25-22 25-21) win over Germany.
After two days of the Pool B clashes, South Korea are in pole position with six points from straight two wins. Serbia are second with four points, while Thailand have two points for third place. Winless Germany are in fourth position.
Today, Thailand take on Germany in their last Pool B match, while South Korea go up against Serbia. Channel 7 will televise the Thai match live from 2.40pm Bangkok time.
