The Thais had too much in attack for their European rivals
Sao Paulo, July 12, 2015 – Thailand beat Belgium 3-1 (25-11, 25-23, 22-25, 25-14) in their FIVB World Grand Prix clash on Sunday.
Thailand started the match on fire, running into an early 10 point lead, which they hung on to. Onuma Sittirak and Malika Kanthong were dominant in the block and spike; Belgium didn’t get going and the Thais took the set easily, 25-11.
Belgium dusted themselves down, and with Freya Aelbrecht, Kaja Grobelna and Laura Heyrman all upping their game, led early in the second set. But the Thais again proved too strong, and with Wilavan Apinyapong joining the point-getting, took the set 25-23. Belgium hit back in set three though, scoring much more accurately, and with Els Vandesteene and Aelbrecht excellent, they took the set 25-22 to trail 2-1.
But the Thais again hit top gear in set four, streaking nine points ahead mid-set, and staying ruthless. With far more effective spikes, they took the set 25-14. Onuma Sittirak was the top scorer in the match with 22 points. Els Vandesteene got 14 for Belgium. Follow our live match text commentary
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