Tehran, Iran, September 15, 2019 – Thailand fought back gallantly after the first-set loss to beat Hong Kong China 3-1 (22-25, 25-13, 25-20, 25-21, but both teams failed to make the cut for the top eight teams at the SMM 20th Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship at the 12,000-seater Azadi Sports Complex on Sunday.
Since only top two teams from each pool will be eligible for the next round, Japan and Chinese Taipei advanced to the top 8 from Pool B after two consecutive wins against Thailand and Hong Kong China, relegating Thailand to the classification round for 9th-16th places despite their comeback win against Hong Kong China.
Against Hong Kong China, Thailand found it difficult to maintain their form and could not cope with the well-organised Hong Kong China’s tactics in the first set, which they went down 22-25. Nonetheless, the Thai side showed their dominance in the second set to win comfortably 25-13. With their confidence boosted, they continued consistency to win 25-20 in the third set.
Hong Kong China lost their touch in the fourth set, leaving Thailand to seize the opportunity to attack effectively and block solidly for the crucial 25-21 win.
Amorntep Konhan chipped in with 14 points for Thailand including 12 attacks from 24 attempts and team-mate Anut Promchan assisted with 13 points. Siu Cheong Hung led Hong Kong China with 12 points from 8 attacks and 4 aces.
Thailand will next challenge Kuwait in their opening match of the 9th-16th playoff encounter on Tuesday after a rest day on Monday.
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