Thailand is set to face China in semi-final of Asian Games Beach Volleyball Women’s Tournament
The all-Thailand quarter-final of the Asian Games Beach Volleyball Tournament saw Jarunee Sannok/Usa Tenpaksee take on Kamoltip Kulna/Yupa Phokongploy on Sunday. The duo of Jarunee/Usa proved to be the better side, and defeated their compatriots with a score
of 2-1 (20-22, 21-18, and 15-12). The winners clinched a semi-final berth against top-seeded Xue Chen and Zhang Xi of China on Monday.
It was a great match for Jarunee and Usa, as they surprised their compatriots, who had better win/loss record in the tournament. Jarunee and Usa complimented each other well and fought well after going a set down early on. Some superb digging and diving,
coupled with powerful underhand shots, was enough to see them through to victory. The pairing of of Jarunee and Usa were classified as Thailand B, while the other team was labeled Thailand A in the tournament.
First set
Yupa Phokongploy started the match with a strong display of serving to help her team take an early lead. On the other side of the net, Usa and Jarunee showed a lot of grit and determination to match their opponents. They returned the ball well and defended
their positions. Usa was quick to find the rare gaps, and directed the ball in targeted areas. The see-saw battle continued as the game picked up pace. The exchange of fast spikes later in the set added to the intensity of the match. Ultimately though, Yupa
and Kulna managed to take the opening set 22-20.
Second Set
Usa/Jarunee began the second set strongly and stormed into an early lead. Usa’s clever serves, and Jarunee’s powerful shots were giving the Thailand A team a real problem. Usa regained her composure after a poor first set, and hit a number of inch perfect
winners into the opponents half. The pair dominated the set from start to finish, eventually winning 21-18.
Third Set
The game’s decisive set began with both teams serving strongly, and showing no sign of nerves. Usa and Jarunee managed to keep up their energy levels from the last set, and seemed the more threatening of the two teams. The pair hit some nice cut shots to
put them in command of the third set. Yupa and Kulna however, were not ready go down without a fight, and made their compatriots work for the points. Eventually, Usa and Jarunee prevailed 15-12 to reach the semi-finals.
Post match
Usa was thrilled with the victory and told reporters after the match, “We did not feel any pressure. We just relaxed and took it one point at a time.”
However, the losing side’s Yupa Phokongploy praised her opponents. She said that they played really well and deserved to win. Yupa wished them luck for the next match against Chinese top seeded pairing of Xue and Zhang.
About the semi-final, Usa said, "It's going to be hard work against China. We have to focus on our serving but I think we can beat them."
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