NAKHON RATCHASIMA - Thailand clinched their first win in the quarter-finals of the 17th Asian Women's Volleyball Championship after beating Asian powerhouse Japan in four sets on Monday.
Thailand claimed a 25-15, 25-23, 23-25, 30-28 victory over the world No.3 and last year's Olympic Games bronze medallists.
The Thais avenged defeat in two previous meetings with their opponents this year, the latest loss coming in a 2014 FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship qualification match in Japan earlier this month.
Thailand booked a ticket to next year's World Championship after finishing second to hosts Japan in the qualifying tournament.
In the quarter-finals, Thailand are grouped with Japan, Kazakhstan and Vietnam in Pool E, while defending champions China will play South Korea, Taiwan and Iran in Pool F.
Thailand face Vietnam on Tuesday at 2pm at Chatchai Hall. The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7.
Photos by Thanarak Khoonton
