Volleyball Update: Thailand shakes off the bad impression with victory on second day
Thailand recovers from the shock of defeat by posting 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 20-25, and 25-16) victory over Kazakhstan in Saturdays pool play matches of FIVB Women’s World Championship. Thailand played the first match on Friday against USA. The team fought bravely but couldn’t match the performance with USA and suffered the loss of opening match. Thailand was all raged up after defeat but it got perfect opportunity to shake off the wrong impression by dismissing Kazakhstan in the next match. The struggling Kazak team is down with bad performance in the tournament as they lost their first match to Germany, while Thailand provided more damage to them in the second match.
Thailand and Kazakhstan are both included in the Pool C of the 16th FIVB Women’s World Championship, which is scheduled to complete its run on 14th November, 2010. Japanese city Matsumoto is the host of Pool C matches and combat of Thailand vs. Kazakhstan was staged at Matsumoto City Gymnasium on 30th October, 2010.
First Set
Thailand’s captain girl Wilavan Apinyapong formed very good offensive combination and placed the players in perfect spots. Kazakhstan opened the match with strong serve by Olga Drobyshevskaya. They were able to make a good start by taking an early lead in the first set. Thailand used Onuma Sittirak who added a couple of thunderous blasts and scored points in a row. They picked up lead and extended it to 16-10 at the second technical timeout.
The potential risk of losing the set started lurking on Kazakhstan’s squad as Thai players attacked with more ferocity. The bitter spikes and hard-hitting of Wilavan Apinyapong left no choice for Kazak team. Thailand restricted Kazak hitters to score points and further tightened their screws. Kazak team could only help 16 points in the first set, while Thailand achieved the match point at 25.
Second Set
The second set of the match also came successful for Thailand. The energetic Thai players hit long shots and built a lead of 6-3. Thailand’s setter Nootsara Tomkom was the centre of attention as she helped the spikers a lot. She floated the ball nicely and created perfect opportunities for them to hit the ball over the net. However, Kazakhstan was also very active in the game. They brought in Nassedkina who was an expert hitter. Kazakhstan chased the score, rather pushed Thailand behind with a 3-point lead in a short time.
Kazakhstan was in stable position but they couldn’t keep up the momentum. Kazakhstan’s defence expert failed to deal with the strong pushes from Thailand and dropped a few shots. Thailand attacked with power and bounced back in the game. The fierce attack by Amporn Hyapha proved helpful for Thailand and they regained the commanding position in game. Thailand was up with 22-16 and quickly covered the length of second set. They dismantled Kazakhstan’s power and posted 25-18 victory.
Third Set
The protagonists were back in the third set. Kazakhstan started out really well in third set and suddenly came out of blues with an 8-4 lead at the first technical timeout. Their confidence was restored and they pushed Thailand behind the attack line. Kazakhstan stretched the lead to 11-5, which forced Thailand’s coach to call a timeout. The head coach, Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai had a word with the team and game started again. Thailand tried different strategies but couldn’t avoid the chances of defeat in third set. Kazak ladies hit the scoreboard with 25-20.
Fourth Set
Kazakhstan tried to bring the game to an even point by winning another set but Thailand crashed their dream of victory. Thai strikers attacked will full intensity and put an end to the tussle. They posted 25-16 and claimed match-win against Kazakhstan.
Thailand’s Onuma Sittirak scored 18 points and earned the reputation of top-scorer for Thailand, while her team-mates, Wilavan Apinyanpong and Malaika Kanthong each contributed valuable 14 points in team’s score. Pleumjit Thinkaow also played her part and registered 13 points. Although Kazakhstan lost the match but they fought really well. Inna Matveyeva and Olga Drobyshevskaya clipped 18 points for Kazakhstan.
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