Thailand aim for clean sweep on home court
Thailand coach Danai Sriwacharamaytakul aims to score three wins in as many matches in the third week of the Nations League on home court.
The Thais begin the third week of the inaugural event, formerly the World Grand Prix, against the Dominican Republic at Indoor Stadium, Hua Mark, today.
In today’s first Pool 11 game at the same venue, Germany take on the United States.
In the first two weeks, Thailand had two wins and four losses but Danai said yesterday his team had gradually improved.
“I hope we beat every team,” the coach told a press conference.
He has injected some experience into the team with the inclusion of former captain Wilavan Apinyapong.
Wilavan, who will turn 34 next week, and Tapaphaipun Chaisri replaced Wipawee Srithong and Supattra Pairoj, who were in the squad in Macau last week.
The United States lead the 16-team standings with 16 points, from five wins against one loss.
Brazil (5-1) are second on 15 points while Serbia (5-1), also on 15, are third.
Turkey and Netherlands, the other two teams with five wins and one loss, round off the top five with 14 points each.
Thailand, with two wins and four defeats from the first two weeks, are 12th on five points.
The Thais should be able to beat the Dominicans and the Germans, who are in the bottom three after five losses and just one win each.
However, it will be a difficult task for them to defeat the powerful Americans.
Thailand will also play host in the fourth week in Nakhon Ratchasima. The Pool 15 action on June 5-7 will be held at Chatchai Hall.
The 2018 Nations League, a new annual international tournament contested by 16 teams, has replaced the World Grand Prix.
The top-five teams from the league rounds will join hosts China in the final round in Nanjing.
THAILAND SQUAD
Pleumjit Thinkaow (capt), Hattaya Bamrungsuk, Chitaporn Kamlangmak, Watchareeya Nualjam, Pornun Guedpard, Nootsara Tomkom, Malika Kanthong, Pimpichaya Kokram, Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Onuma Sittirak, Chatchu-on Moksri, Wilavan Apinyapong, Piyanut Pannoy, Tapaphaipun Chaisri.
FIXTURES Pool 11
May 29 — Germany v United States (3.05pm); Thailand v Dominican Republic (6.05pm)
May 30 — Dominican Republic v United States (3.05pm); Thailand v Germany (6.05pm)
May 31 — Dominican Republic v Germany (3.05pm); Thailand v United States (6.05pm)
(All matches will be shown live on Channel 3)