Thailand celebrate their straight-sets victory over closest regional rivals Indonesia.
Hosts Thailand pulled off an exceptional straight-sets 25-14 37-35 25-21 victory over Indonesia to underline their supremacy in the Southeast Asian Zonal Men's Qualification Tournament at Nakhon Pathom Sports Centre Gymnasium on Friday.
A fired-up Thailand have impressed with gutsy performances, while in-form Indonesia are now firmly on track for the final round of the 2014 FIVB World Volleyball Championship Asian Zone.
Thailand and India have already made the cut for the final round with two successive wins each in the round-robin competition. Friday's clash was to decide the overall winners here.
Thailand fielded kept the line-up that thrashed Myanmar in straight sets on the previous day, including powerful hitters Jirayu Raksakaew and Kittikun Sriutthawong. Indonesia were also at full strength, with the same roster that played the 2012 Asian Men's Club and the Southeast Asian Games on home soil.
The host side got off to a flying start, with 195cm smashing machine Jiraya bullying the smaller blockers with explosive attacks to help Thailand go 10-4 up before they stormed on to take the first set 25-14.
The second set saw a titanic clash develop, with both sides exchanging aggressive attacks and the lead changing hands several times. Thailand fared better to win the gruelling battle 37-35.
The third set was just as hotly contested, as both teams went all out. Thailand drew ahead 19-18 and maintained their cool to stretch it to 24-20. With just one point needed to wrap up the match, the lanky Kissada's smashed his serve into the net, giving Indonesia another life. However, the visitors just blew their chance when I Komang Suarnata's serve went long, handing Thailand the set 25-21, and with it the match.
"Playing Indonesia is never easy. They have good variety. They changed several players to improve their game, but we read their strategic plan well. I think their fast spikes are very effective, but our counter-attacking is better.
Meanwhile, Myanmar registered their first win in the tournament with a come-from-behind 17-25 25-14 26-24 20-25 15-9 victory over Vietnam.
Thailand were crowned champions with nine points from three straight wins. Indonesia were second with five points from two wins against one loss. Myanmar and Vietnam finished third and fourth respectively with three points and one point.
The draw for the final round will be made after the conclusion of the other Asia Zone rounds.
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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2013/07/01/host-spikers-go-unbeaten-to-triumph-in-south-east-asian-qualifying/
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