Brazil triumph as Kiattipong bids farewell
Brazil claimed their 11th title in the 24-year history of the World Grand Prix yesterday as coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai’s last match in charge of Thailand women’s volleyball team ended in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of a second-string China side.
While world No.3 Brazil won the crown by beating world No.1 and defending champions USA 3-2 (18-25, 25-17, 25-23, 22-25, 15-9), the Thais suffered their third straight whitewash of the finals, losing 25-23, 25-23, 25-12 to China at Hua Mark Indoor stadium in the fifth-place play-off.
In the clash for third place, the Netherlands fought back gallantly to recover from the brink of defeat and edge Russia 3-2 (1825, 23-25, 30-28, 25-21, 15-9).
The curtain also fell on veteran libero Wanna Buakaew’s career as the home team’s efforts fell short against world No.2 China, who left a number of their key players back home in preparation for next month’s Rio Olympics.
Reigning World Cup champions China improved their record against Thailand to 15 wins from 17 meetings at the World Grand Prix. Thailand’s best result in the tournament was a fourth-place finish in 2012 while China won their only title in 2003.
Outgoing Thai coach Kiattipong praised the Chinese team, but also lauded the efforts of his young side.
“Our players also gave it all they could. We have lost but we have learnt. Many of our young players have gained valuable experience,” he said.
Of his decision to step down, Kiattipong, who started coaching the national team in 2001, commented: “I feel sad, but I have other obligations as well.”
He has signed a two-year coaching contract with a Beijing club where his wife, Feng Kun, a former Chinese national team player, is based in the Chinese capital.
“I could have continued coaching the national team, but it wouldn’t have been convenient,” he added.
The 49-year-old Kiattipong said he is proud to have nurtured the careers of a number of Thai stars and he was leaving behind a pool of talented youth capable of replacing the veterans.
China coach An Jiajie said Thailand put on a great show in the first two sets but they made many mistakes in the third.
Praising Kiattipong, An said: “I have always respected him. He did a very good job on the Thai team. He is a great coach.”
Libero Wanna was disappointed to bow out on a losing note.
She said: “I am proud to have represented Thailand at so many international events. It was an honour for me to play my last game in front of such a big home crowd.”
“I am grateful to the national association for giving me the opportunity to represent the country. It is the best thing that ever happened to me,” said the 35-year-old Wanna from Sa Kaew.
Thailand captain Pleumjit Thinkaow said the team tried their best to win the last match to give a memorable send-off to coach Kiattipong and Wanna but could not match the Chinese.
Pleumjit said: “Although some of their key players are not here, they are still a dangerous team and had a big height advantage over us.”