NAKHON RATCHASIMA - Thailand won back some confidence after thrashing poorly prepared Australia in straight sets at the 17th Asian Women's Volleyball Championship on Saturday.
Thailand spikes the ball past Australian blockers during the host side's 3-0 victory at the 17th Asian Women's Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima on Saturday. (Photo by Thanarak Khoonton)
After a shock defeat to Kazakhstan in the opening match in pool A, world No. 16 Thailand regrouped strongly and easily saw off Australia 25-16, 25-17, 25-14.
The victory not only boosted the confidence of the players, who have already qualified for the World Championships next year in Italy, but also entertained the 5,000 fans who packed the Chatchai Hall.
Fans pack the Chatichai Hall to capacity to cheer on Thailand against Australia. (Photo by Thanarak Khoonton)
"We needed this win to cheer up our players because many tough matches are waiting," coach Kiattipong Radchatakriengkrai said after the match.
Thailand will take on debutant Mongolia on Sunday in the final match of the pool and Kiattipong said that they would try to win every point and finish the match as soon as possible.
Team captain Wilawan Apinyapong said that reducing mistakes and focusing on the game were the keys to the victory.
"We are more relaxed and ready for next matches," she said.
Australian head coach Pauline Manser, whose team was also beaten by the Thais at the World Championship qualifying event in Japan last week, said her team gave its best effort but it was impossible to beat well-organised Thailand.
"I'm happy with the team's performance, which was better than last week," said Manser, who has targeted a top-eight finish in the 16-team tournament.
In the same pool, Kazakhstan beat Mongolia 25-22, 25-16, 25-9 to reach six points while Australia and Thailand have three points each.
The top two teams in each of the four groups will qualify for the next round.