Asian champions Thailand yesterday secured a historic 3-1 over Russia to finish fifth at the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup in Tokyo.
Thailand players celebrate after beating Russia in four sets yesterday.
Seeking their first win in the six-team tournament and a first victory over Russia in all the FIVB competitions, Thailand came back from behind to stun the world No.6 18-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-23.
Both teams finished the tournament with 1-4 records but Russia came fourth and Thailand secured fifth place due to the difference in sets won. It was an improved result for Thailand, who finished last in the 2009 tournament, when they failed to earn a single point.
Thailand coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai congratulated his players for their performances.
"This will give us more confidence and is very important to help improve volleyball in Thailand," he said.
The coach admitted his players had struggled to stop the taller and more powerful Russias, who also blocked well. However, his players served well and counterattacked effectively.
The coach insisted the victory was evidence of Thailand's overall improvement.
"We've tried to improve volleyball in Thailand over the last 50 years," he said. "I've coached for 16 years and we never beat Russia. It's my first time so it's a great honour for me."
Thailand captain Wilavan Apinyapong said that the Thais were conscious of their disadvantage in size.
"We know this, so we play as a team in defence and try to control the ball on our side and counterattack," she said.
Russia captain Ekaterina Pankova said that although Thailand had served well, Russia had not blocked well.
"We were a bit tired after the last three days and couldn't play our normal game," she said.
World No.1 Brazil won the title in style, winning all their matches and yesterday beating Japan 29-27, 25-14, 25-18.