World Grand Prix
Thailand are already up against a mission impossible to qualify for the Finals of the premier annual women’s volleyball tournament after collecting only six points from two wins against four losses in their previous six matches in Pool C and Pool J in Ankara, Turkey and Ekaterinburg, Russia respectively to sit in a distant 14th position overall.
Although Thailand will do their best to make a clean sweep of all three victories at home from Friday to Sunday, the chances of the world No.12 qualifying to the Finals in Sapporo, Japan from August 28 to September 1 are still only mathematical, depending on the results of other teams. Last year, Thailand performed superbly to capture last year’s historic AVC Cup and finish an incredible fourth place in the World Grand Prix,
After the first two weeks, China and Japan lead the charge with 17 points. One point behind are Serbia, while Italy have 15 points. Defending three-time champions USA and the defending two-time Olympic winners Brazil share 14 points.
Russia now have 12 points to trail in ninth place overall, with Germany in 11th position with 11 points.
The third week and the final phrase of the top-flight competition between August 16 and 18 will determine the five best-ranked teams plus hosts Japan for the Finals.
As Russia and Germany still keep their hopes of qualifying to the Finals alive, they are expected to give it all-out in an effort of making a clean sweep in the Bangkok phase to make sure a place in the Finals remains within their reach. To secure their place in the Finals, both Russia and Germany not only need nine points from three wins in Bangkok, but also wait for the other top teams to fall in their respective Pools this week.
As for Pool L matches in Bangkok, Thailand will on Friday take on Puerto Rico, who have yet to win a single point following six straight losses, in the curtain-raiser at 09:00 GMT (16:00 local) followed by a big clash between Germany and Russia at 18:30 GMT (11:30 local).
To read more similar news from this competition check out our section World Grand Prix 2013.
