ROAD TO RIO W: Japan win Asian derby, 2 red cards for Thailand in tie-break!

In the Asian derby, the hosts prevailed in a dramatic tiebreaker against Thailand, which lasted nearly three hours 3-2 (20-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13), to achieve third win at the tournament (3-1 record so far). But, it was incredible how Thai ladies dropped the fifth set and game, maybe even participation at the Rio Olympics.

Thailand had 9-3 lead, but then their head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai received two red cards! The first red card came when they were leading 12-8 (point for Japan). After that, their players were unfocused on the game, thinking more on refereeing than on volleyball. The second red card came when Thailand trailed 13-12 (another point for Japan). It was definitely a key moment which determined the outcome.

Also, before Thai coach received the first red card, there was obvious center line violation by Japanese player, which was not sanctioned by the umpire…

For the hosts, Saori Sakoda finished with a game-high 24 points, while Thailand’s captain Pleumjit Thinkaow had 21.

FIVB QUALIFICATION ROUND / TOURNAMENT 1

 

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