Thailand target top-16 finish
The Thai women are aiming for a top-16 finish at the world championship to be held in Japan from Sept 29-Oct 20.
Thailand are in Pool C with the US, Russia, South Korea, Azerbaijan and Trinidad and Tobago. The tournament will be shown live on Workpoint TV.
Coach Danai Sriwatcharamethakul’s squad will begin their campaign against South Korea on Saturday.
Somporn Chaibangyang, president of the Volleyball Association of Thailand, said yesterday he hoped the team reach the second round and finish in the top 16 of the 24-team tournament.
The top 16 teams at the event will earn places at an Olympic qualifying round although teams can also punch tickets to the 2020 Tokyo Games through other channels.
“I believe that we are capable of securing a place at next year’s Olympic qualifying round,’’ said Somporn.
He said Danai would wait until the last minute to announce his squad today as a couple of players, including Hattaya Bamrungsuk and Chatchu-on Moksri, were still nursing injuries.
The team will again be led by veterans Pleumjit Thinkaow and Nootsara Tomkom.
Meanwhile, Thai star Thatdao Nuekjang, who has just returned from an injury in time for the world championship, said she expects the team to beat South Korea in the opening match to boost Thailand’s hopes of reaching the second round.
“We are not yet at full strength as several players are nursing injuries. We will do our best although we will face several big teams in the first round,” she said.
Thailand are fresh from their best ever Asian Games performance, winning silver in Indonesia earlier this month.
FIXTURES
(Thai time)
Sept 29 Thailand v South Korea (5.20pm) Sept 30 Thailand v Russia (5.20pm) Oct 2 Thailand v Trinidad (2.10pm) Oct 3 Thailand v USA (5.20pm)
Oct 4 Thailand v Azerbaijan (2.10pm)