Tokyo: Thailand, declared the "best team in Asia" by the Peru coach, ended their unsuccessful campaign for a place in the women's volleyball finals of the 2016 Olympic Games on a high note amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Thailand were in fine touch as they routed Peru 3-0 (25-17, 26-24, 25-23) in their last match of the eight-team women's Olympic qualification tournament.
Despite their victory over the tall Peruvians, the Thais stayed put in fifth place. The four Rio spots on offer at the event were claimed by top-ranked Italy, the Netherlands, hosts Japan and South Korea.
Japan had dashed Thai hopes by claiming two sets against Italy in the last game of the drama-filled penultimate day on Saturday, after Thailand themselves had scored a rare 3-2 victory over South Korea.
South Korea grabbed the first two sets against Thailand to assure themselves of a place at Rio 2016.
With the Olympic ticket already in their pocket, the South Koreans took it easy yesterday and ended up suffering a 3-0 (25-23, 25-11, 28-26) thrashing at the hands of the Dominican Republic.
The Italians, however, showed no mercy to Kazakhstan as they registered a 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-19) triumph in their last outing of the qualifying event.
Japan, meanwhile, pulled off a big upset, edging the Netherlands 3-2 (20-25, 25-13, 21-25, 32-30, 15-11), in the last game yesterday.
The Thai players were in tears after their victory over Peru as their dreams of qualifying for the Olympics for the first time were put on hold for another four years.
Thailand coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai, however, believes that volleyball in Thailand will be stronger after this tournament.
He said: "We have worked for four years to prepare for this tournament as going to the Olympics is our dream.
"The players did a good job. What we did will be valuable to people, especially young people, in Thailand. This will help Thai volleyball reach the world-class level."
Peru coach Mauro Marasciulo said: "I think Thailand are the best team in Asia. They defeated [South] Korea, gave Japan a scare and beat us in straight sets today."
Thailand captain Pleumjit Thinkaow said: "We were able to prove our resolve in this tournament match after match. Both teams [Thailand and Peru] played their best despite being eliminated from the Olympic race." Bangkok Post/Agencies