Thailand’s chances all but over
Dominican Republic claim rallying victory
Thailand’s hopes of qualifying for the final phase of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League faded after they lost to Dominican Republic in Sofia, Bulgaria, yesterday.
The team started off well, taking the first set 25-22 but lost the next three 23-25, 23-25, 21-25 for their fifth loss of the tournament.
Thailand remained eighth in the 16-team standings with 15 points from five wins. The top seven teams will advance to the final phase between July 13-17, along with hosts Turkey.
Turkey, who are seventh with 16 points, will play Netherlands in Pool 5 tomorrow.
Canada, who are in ninth spot on 12 points following their surprise win over Turkey on Tuesday, will play Serbia in Pool 5 tomorrow.
Dominican Republic are 10th on 12 points after claiming their fourth win of the campaign yesterday.
Thailand will now have to beat thirdplaced Brazil in their next match of Pool 6 tomorrow to stand a chance of progressing. They will play fourth-placed Italy in the last match on Sunday.
Pimpichaya Kokram was Thailand’s top scorer yesterday with 30 points. Ajcharaporn Kongyot had 15 points while Chatchu-on Moksri had nine yesterday.
Brayelin Martinez led the Dominican team with 20 points while Pena Isabel added 16 points.
Thailand had beaten winless South Korea 3-0 (25-11, 25-22, 25-17) in the third week’s opener on Wednesday.
The victory was a sweet revenge against their Asian rivals, who beat them in last year’s VNL.
Chatchu-on was the team’s highest scorer against the Korean team with 14 points while Ajcharaporn had 13 points.
South Korean captain Park JeongAh had 13 points and Lee Juah had nine points. The match against Brazil tomorrow begins at 8.30pm and will be shown live on ONE31.
The final match against Italy on Sunday will start at the same time.