Fans inspire Thais to convincing win
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Fans inspire Thais to convincing win

Coach Danai hails victory over 'strong' Turkey, Italy seal finals spot with Dominican Republic rout

Chatchu-on Moksri spikes the ball against Turkey during their Pool H1 game at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium. (Photo by Phrakrit Juntawong)
Chatchu-on Moksri spikes the ball against Turkey during their Pool H1 game at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium. (Photo by Phrakrit Juntawong)

Thailand claimed their second win of this year's World Grand Prix as they handed Turkey a 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-21) whitewash in their Pool H1 match at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium on Saturday.

Hattaya Bamrungsuk and Chatchu-on Moksri top-scored for the Thai women's team with 11 points each. Hande Baladin was Turkey's best attacker with 11 points, while Polen Uslupehlivan chipped in 10 points.

Thailand's only other win in this year's campaign came last week against 11-time champions Brazil in Sendai, Japan.

After a hard-fought defeat against the Dominican Republic on Friday, Thailand coach Danai Sriwacharamaytakul said he was grateful to the fans who never lose faith in the team.

A large crowd turned up at the venue to cheer the national team last night.

"It was a great win for us against a very strong team like Turkey," said Danai. "The fans really played a key part in helping us win 3-0 today.

"We still have one more match tomorrow so hopefully it will be another full house."

Former captain Wilavan Apinyapong said: "I have to thank the fans who came out today to support us. I know we haven't had the best of runs this year but the fans stand by us and we appreciate it very much.

"There's one more match tomorrow against Italy and it will be a tough game so I hope the fans will give us the support again."

Earlier on Saturday, Italy secured their berth in next month's finals in Nanjing after beating the Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-15).

Caterina Bosetti and Miriam Sylla scored 10 points in attack and had one block each, to make them Italy's best scorers.

Gina Mambru was the pick of the Dominican Republic team with 10 points, all in attack.

Italy captain Cristina Chirichella said: "I am very happy for this result. We played close matches but we finally came out on top. We have already qualified for the final six.

"With this result, we are motivated to move on. We will try to improve our game day by day and continue to train hard. I hope we will have a good result in the final round."

Italy coach Davide Mazzanti added: "This match was really important for us to qualify for the final six and for our experience. I am very happy with my team's victory today. Now we will focus on the next match against Thailand. We can improve our game against them."

With their sixth win in eight games, the Italians are third in the 12-team Grand Prix. Serbia remain on top, followed by the United States. The Netherlands are fourth, Brazil fifth, China sixth and Japan seventh.

The top-five sides join hosts China in the finals from Aug 2-6.

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