Jiangmen, China, July 5, 2024 – Thailand put it past Kazakstan in convincing straight sets 25-17, 25-16, 25-16 to stay unbeaten in the 22nd Asian Women’s U20 Volleyball Championship at the Jiangmen Sports Center Gymnasium here on Friday.
Opposite Papatchaya Phontham scored a match-high 21 points from 20 kills and one ace for Thailand, while middle blocker Thipsuda Bualai and outside hitter Tanyapron Seeso contributed 7 and 6 points respectively. The Kazakhstans’ offense was also limited by Thailand which saw no Kazakh player manage to reach double digits in scoring against them. Outside hitter and skipper Sofiya Gorbacheva scored 9 points, all in attack, on the Kazakhstan’s loss.
Both Thailand and Kazakhstan played neck and neck at the opening of the first set, attempting to set up an early pace. Leads swung back and forth until 9-9 when Thailand found their touch, with left-hander Papatchya Phontham penetrating the Kazakhstan defence with her exceptional attacks and terrific jump serves to help the team advance 15-12.
Kazakhstan regrouped and hit back bravely, but their game remained error-riddled. To make short work of Kazakhstan, Thailand went on relentless attacks with a strong performance from Tanyapron Seeso, who hit aggressively at the net. Kazakhstan battled back hard for a comeback, but their attempts were denied as Thailand stormed on to win the comfortable set 25-17.
Thailand still stayed in control in the second set, covering the court marvelously. With Papatchya on fire, the Thai girls were quick on leading way to stay in front 14-9. As Kazakhstan, spearheaded by Sofiya Gorbacheva and Ayaulym Turdykhanova, relied mostly on their counter-attacks, Thailand put in a lot of speed and power into their offense, allowing the determined opponents difficulties to come back.
At the near end of the set, which they led by wide margin 23-15, Thailand replaced their best players including Papatchya, Warisara Seetaloed and Tanyapron and instead fielded substitutions including Waratthaya Kangsopha, Kanchana Sasaikaeo and Nakarinporn Budda to take the set 25-16, again without much effort.
In the third set, Thailand lived up to head coach Kritideach Arjwichai’s expectation as they led all the way. With Kazakhstan prone to unforced attacking mistakes with poor reception, Thailand maintained their fine form to lead with an eight-point advantage at 18-10. Kazakhstan shuffled their lineup to improve on defense, but their determination did not bear fruits well. Leading 22-12, Thailand momentarily dropped their rhythm and lost some points to the rivals but after that got their way back to the right track to win the set 25-16 and match.
Commenting on his team in their preparation for the daunting task against world champions China on Saturday, Thailand head coach Kritideach Arjwichai said, “We had beaten China at the last year’s U19 World Championship, but regarding the Chinese U20 squad, they were strengthened by some strong players. To play the tall Chinese players, we have to stay focused on good service. I think if we can come up with power-filled serves, we can reduce their chances to attack us effectively. Also, we need efficient blocks and save-block skills to make sure we can counter-attack fast and effectively.”
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