Chinese spikers snap Japan's Arrows in Korat showdown
Tianjin Bridgestone of China were tested to breaking point by Japan's Toray Arrows before emerging triumphant in five thrilling sets, 21-25 25-18 25-23 17-25 18-16, to capture the Princess Cup Asian Women's Club Volleyball Championship at The Mall Nakho
The win on Sunday saw Tianjin bag the prestigious HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn trophy and a berth for the 2012 FIVB World Women’s Club Championship, in Doha, Qatar from October 13 to 19.
Tianjin’s courageous come-from-behind victory stamped China’s authority over the annual top-flight tournament with a sixth title. Team Shanghai Cable TV sealed victory in 2000 and 2001 while Tianjin claimed the remaining four in 2005, 2006 2008 and 2012.
Earlier, the third-place play-off between Thailand’s Chang and Kazakhstan’s Zhetyssu saw the host side in great form both defensively and in attack. Powerful Wilavan Apinyapong and Onuma Sittirak took turns tearing the Kazakh defence to shreds with explosive attacks.
Winning the first two sets 25-21 25-10, Chang, despite an average height disadvantage of 175cm against the visitors’ 182cm, continued their winning streak in the third set. With a large home crowd cheering them all the way, the Thais maintained momentum to clinch the match with a 25-18 win, and with it third place.
“I’m happy that my team grabbed a podium place at last. The win means a lot, because everyone played their part well, learning from mistakes made in the previous match,” said Thai head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai.
“The team is being given a two-day rest before returning for intensive training in preparation for the Olympic Qualification Tournament in Japan from May 19 to 27.
“It’s a crucial meet as it will be our final test to see if we deserve to make it to the London Games. We have to prepare well to be at our best,” he added.
In the play-offs earlier, Vietnam’s VTV Binh Dien Long An took fifth following a dramatic 3-1 (26-24 25-14 16-25 25-17) victory over Iran’s Gitipasand, while Myanmar’s Asia World VC powered past San Barbara Polo & Racquet of Malaysia in five sets, 25-13 25-21 18-25 23-25 15-11, to emerge seventh.
