China beats Thailand to win Asia Pool D

05.07.09 - 18:46 ... source : FIVB

... The Chinese celebrate after beating Thailand Chengdu, China, July 5, 2009 - In the most anticipated match of the Asia third round Pool D tournament, a fired-up China finished unbeaten after thrashing Thailand in straight sets here on Sunday evening. Both China and runner-up Thailand earned berths to the Final Round of the 2010 World Championships in Japan. Thai head coach Radchatagriengkai Kiattipong said before the tournament that the Chinese team was not unbeatable. Thailand had both the chances and ability to beat China if they played to their best. However, the Chinese put in a gritty performance to destroy the Thais in a lopsided match 3-0 (25-17, 25-22, 25-15). In the first set, Thailand started off well against the taller and stronger Chinese, who did not lose one set at the tournament. But the Chinese enjoyed a big advantage at the net, and with a better attack and defense, China took an 8-4 lead into the first technical timeou ...» Next (HTML)