World Grand Prix 2004

Russia beat Thailand 3-1 (22-25, 25-17, 27-25, 25-17) - duration 1:40
24-Jul, start time: 18:05, end time: 19:45 - Attendance: 1'350
City: Rostock, Germany; Hall : Stadthalle Rostock
Nataphon Srisamutnak (coach Thailand): "We were not active and quick enough. And it was unfortunate that we failed to win the third set. I am sure if we had won the third, we would also have won the fourth set and the match. Because we lost that set, the Russians gained confidence and got stronger and stronger."

Patcharee Sangmuang (team captain Thailand): "We did not play as well as yesterday against the USA, we were too slow. We had a good chance to win the third set. When we failed to do that we lost concentration and accuracy. However, here in Rostock we played much better than in the first two events. I think we gained a lot of experience, particularly our younger players, and will benefit from that next year."

Mikhail Omelchenko (coach Russia): "We started very well, led by a large margin. But then the team probably felt too safe and lost focus. That's why we lost the first set. Thailand is a team that fights for eany ball, in reception and defence. My team did not take them seriously. I would like to thank the organisers here in Rostock for the excellent organisation and conditions. They did a very good job."

Alexandra Korukovets (team captain Russia): "Thailand is a very awakward team and difficult to play. If you don't put them under pressure right from the start you are in trouble. And that's what happened to us today. However, we defeated them in the end, but we had to work hard for that win."