Thailand back from the grave in 3-2 thriller to keep Rio hopes alive

Tokyo, Japan, May 21, 2016 – Thailand has staged a dramatic comeback to keep its hopes of a first ever Olympics alive, while Korea is confirmed as the first team in Japan to qualify for Rio after a dramatic 3-2 (19-25, 22-25, 29-27, 26-24, 15-12) win for Thailand.

The win gives Thailand two points and moves it to nine, two points behind Japan, while Korea is now safe on 13 points.

Not for the first time this week Thai fans were kept on the edge of their seats for more than two hours, while their team slipped and slided but, ultimately, held its nerve to post a memorable win.

Thailand needed to find something special, but Korea also had a lot on its mind. Knowing a win would lock up an Olympic ticket it was determined to hit their Asian opponents hard.

After opening up an early two point break the Koreans were never headed. Thailand was able to stay in touch until the score reached 13-11, at which stage Korea put together six consecutive points with Kim Yeon-Koung at the service line.

Thailand, once again preferring Guedpard Pornpun as its starting setter, rallied briefly to bring the score back to 17-20, but Korea had all the answers late to lock up the set 25-19.

Kim Hee-Jin was continuing her good form from the previous day with seven first set points, the same as Yeon-Koung, while Nuekjang Thatdao and Kongyot Ajcharaporn led the way for Thailand with four points each.

Yeon-Koung is a problem for any team that comes up against Korea. If you’re lucky, she might be at her best for just half the game.

The problem is, when she’s at her best it’s impossible …

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