Thailand cruised into the second round of the Asian Women's Volleyball Championship 2023 after beating Mongolia 3-0 (25-12, 25-7, 25-11) for their second win in Pool A at Korat Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima last night.
World No.16 Thailand are chasing their third Asian title after winning the championship in 2009 and 2013.
Their second title 10 years ago also came when the tournament was held in Nakhon Ratchasima province.
Australia, who beat Mongolia 3-0 on Thursday, also qualified for the second round.
Wipawee Srithong, Pornpun Guedpard, Hattaya Bamrungsuk, Pimpichaya Kokram, Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Charasporn Bandasak and Piyanut Pannoy started the match for Thailand and were too strong for Mongolia.
Coach Danai Sriwacharamaytakul again changed the whole line-up and used Sirima Manakij, Thatdao Nuekjang, Chatchu-On Moksri, Wimonrat Thanapan, Sasipaporn Janthawisut and Supattra Pairoj in the second set.
The score was even more lopsided as the home team dropped just seven points. The third set was similar as the Thais coasted to a 25-11 victory to seal the match in just 58 minutes.
Earlier, Japan cruised India 3-0 (25-10, 25-16, 25-6) to qualify as Pool B winners while Indians also advanced.
Japan are chasing their third straight Asian crown.
In Pool C, Vietnam beat Taiwan 3-1 (25-18, 25-22, 18-25, 25-17) to qualify for the second round as pool winners while South Korea, who defeated Uzbekistan 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-12) earlier, also made it through.
In Pool D, Hong Kong defeated the Philippines 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-11) while 13-time champions China were to face Kazakhstan.
Thailand will play South Korea in the second round on Sunday and Vietnam on Monday. Australia, who are also in Pool E, will play Vietnam on Sunday and South Korea on Monday.