Japan fight back to stun Thailand in final pool game
NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Thailand’s losing streak at the inaugural FIVB Nations League continued with a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of their Asian rivals Japan yesterday.
The local stars got off to a strong start, taking the first two sets, but the tenacious Japanese fought back to take the match 3-2 (19-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-19, 22-20) in the final Pool 15 game in front of a full house crowd at Chatchai Hall.
The defeat extended the Thai team’s losing streak to six games — all on home court — and 10th overall. They lost their three Pool 11 games at Bangkok’s Indoor Stadium Hua Mark last week.
Ai Kurogo’s 29-point performance anchored the Japanese comeback while Yuki Ishii added 17 points.
Onuma Sittirak led Thailand’s scoring chart with 22 points.
Thailand now travel to Eboli next week to face Brazil, Belgium and hosts Italy in the final phase of the league rounds.
Earlier in Pool 15, a superb all-round performance from Zehra Gunes overwhelmed South Korea and ensured Turkey remained on track to reach the final phase.
Gunes fuelled her team early and was terrific in all areas as she led Turkey to a 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-23) victory over the Koreans.
She was well supported by Meliha Ismailoglu and Meryem Boz as Turkey completed an undefeated week four to now boast an impressive 9-3 overall record.
The Koreans, meanwhile, lost in straight sets for the second straight game to drop to 5-7 despite a fine performance from captain Kim Yeon-Koung.
Turkey play the Netherlands, Germany and China in Stuttgart next week, while South Korea travel to Santa Fe where they will meet hosts Argentina, the United States and Serbia.
In Jiangmen, China, Tandara Caixeta’s 30 points made all the difference for Brazil as they saw off a spirited Russian challenge 3-2 (15-25, 25-21, 25-20, 19-25, 17-15) in their final Pool 14 game.
Caixeta was a dominant force with 27 kills and two blocks as Brazil brushed off a disappointing loss against the United States the night before.
Brazil’s 10th win assured them a place in the finals which will see the top-five teams joining hosts China in Nanjing.