It was a heartbreaking loss for two-time Asian women's volleyball champions Thailand, who started off brilliantly only to concede the last three sets to arch-rivals Japan
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Japanese break Thai hearts
Japan claimed their fourth Asian title after coming from behind to stun Thailand 3-2 (26-28, 20-25, 25-16, 25-16, 15-7) in the championship match at Alonte Sports Arena in the Philippines yesterday.
It was a heartbreaking loss for two-time champions Thailand, who started off brilliantly to take the first two sets, only to concede the last three at the hands of their arch-rivals, who had won the title in 1975, 1983 and 2007.
It was Thailand's fourth straight loss against Japan in a space of two months. Japan won their second round clash 3-1 and also beat the Thais twice at the World Grand Prix pool stage last month.
"We had a good start today. We did everything right and won two sets. But then Japan changed their setter and the speed of the ball was much quicker. They were able to turn it around, so credit to them," said Thailand coach Danai Sriwacharamaytakul, who had hoped to emulate his predecessor Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai by leading Thailand to the Asian title.
Kiattipong, who retired as coach of the national team after the World Grand Prix finals last year, led Thailand to the top twice in 2009 and 2013, beating China and Japan in the finals, respectively.
"I would like to apologise to all the Thai fans for not being able to bring home the title. But I hope they continue to support this team," said Danai.
"Some of the players in this team are still quite young and they did remarkably well to get to the final in this championship. They will continue to develop and I think they will have a great future."
There was some consolation for the Thai players after 17-year-old rising star Chatchu-on Moksri was named the championship's best outside hitter, along with South Korea's Kim Keon-Koung. Hattaya Bamrungsuk was voted the best middle blocker and Nootsara Tomkom took home the best setter award.
Japan's Risa Shinnabe was named the most valuable player of the tournament.
In a third-place play-off earlier yesterday, South Korea vented their frustration on dethroned champions China 25-11, 25-18, 25-20 to take bronze.
