Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, August 14, 2022 – Thailand saved the best for last on Sunday when they stunned world No.39 Australia, the team they went down 1-3 in the round of the last eight teams in Pool E, in hard-fought four sets 25-19, 25-28, 21-25, 26-24 in the 7th-8th playoff clash at the 2022 AVC Cup for Men at the Nakhon Pathom Provincial Gymnasium here on Sunday.
Against Australia, which finished 16th place at this year’s VNL, Thailand made a strong start, with left-hander Amorntep Konhan and the 204cm-tall Kantapat Koonmee leading the team’s offence. The host team surged into a 6-point clear at 7-1 before left-hander, strongly-built Matthew Aubrey methodically tore the Thai defence apart with their spectacular spikes to narrowly trail 15-17. From then, Thailand intensified their defence, allowing the visitors scoring difficulties to wrap up the comfortable set 25-19.
Their confidence boosted following the one-set win, Thailand still dominated the second set. Amorntep entertained home fans at the competition site with his dazzling jump serves, while Kantapat fired powerful mid-court attacks to help the host side. Thailand stayed in front with 5-point lead at 22-17 and remained in good form to take the second set 25-18 with Amorntep overcoming the much taller rivals with his devastating spike.
Thailand briefly dominated the third set 12-7 before Australia upped their tempo and hit back mightily with Thomas Heptinstall and Matthew Aubrey shaking the Thai defence with their aggressive attacks to help the team level 18-18 and cruised on until 23-21. Aubrey scored the Australia’s last two points for the team’s 25-21 win in the set.
The fourth set became more thrilling when both sides gave all what they had to win the set. Kantapat and Amorntep chipped in with some crucial points to put Thailand ahead 19-21. In an effort of turning the tide on their opponents, Australia gradually pulled their game, covering the court marvellously to catch up with the Thai 24-24, a result that could go either way. Amorntep’s heroic effort paid off impressively when he unleashed on exceptional attacks to win both the remaining two points for the Thailand’s 26-24 win in the fourth set and the 3-1 triumph over the rivals which beat them earlier with the similar margin.
Amorntep Konhan scored a match-high 25 points including 4 aces for Thailand, while Kantapat Koonmee contributed 20 points. Thomas Heptinstall led Australia with 21 points.
“It’s one of the Asia’s most important tournaments which attracted many world-class players to compete. I’m very delighted to have a chance to show my ability and prove my talent in the event. More importantly, it’s my first time ever to be the team captain of Thailand men’s national volleyball team. For me, to be the team captain is a big challenge because he must shoulder big burden and had much pressure. I just try my best to get my team reach where the success is in Asia,” Thailand team captain Amorntep Konhan was quoted as saying in a short interview.
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