2006 World Championships   More World Championship news       Tournament info: Thailand

South Korea hand Kazakhstan first defeat

Ratchaburi, Thailand, August 4, 2005 - South Korea punctured Kazakhstan's aura of invincibility by coming from one set down to win the remaining three sets, as Thailand also registered their first victory in the Women's World Volleyball Championship Asian Group B tournament at the Ratchaburi Gymnasium on Thursday.

The Koreans, fifth place at the last year's Olympic Games in Athens and sixth at the 2002 World Championship, played without any pressure after they beat Thailand on Wednesday. The victory over the host side brightened their chances of advancing to next year's World Championship Finals in Japan.

Against the unbeaten Kazaks, South Korea fielded a full team led by captain Choi Kwang-Hee, who led the team with 21 points including 20 kills from 42 attempts. However, the Kazaks dazzled both the Korean team and the spectators with their brilliant form to win the opener 25-19. The Koreans regrouped and pull their game together to win the remaining three sets 26-24, 25-22, 25-19.

However, despite the loss, Kazakhstan still lead the tournament seven points from three wins against one loss, while Korea are trailing in second place with six points from three wins.

Meanwhile, Thailand won their first match in the single round-robin tournament after beating the Philippines in straight sets on Thursday.

Although the result did not affect the prospects of either team in the tournament, the Thais played with their true form, beating the Philippines 25-11, 25-15, 25-9 before a large crowd of local spectators who packed the gymnasium to give support to their players.

With three straight wins over Thailand, Kazakhstan and Tonga, Korea are likely to finish top of Group B, while Kazakhstan are in the strongest position to claim the second ticket to the World Championship Finals, which go to the top two teams of the tournament.