2006 Men’s World Championships – Thailand
Thailand confirm place in second round, Uzbekistan & Afghanistan to play for second ticket on Sunday (FIVB)
05/21/2005
Ratchaburi, Thailand, May 21, 2005 –Thailand, ranked 37 in the world, clinched a second-round berth at the 2006 Men’s World Championship after easily beating underdogs Afghanistan 25-13 25-19 25-15 in an effortless one-sided battle on Saturday at the first round tournament – Asia Group B at the Ratchaburi Gymnasium.

The dramatic victory over the Afghans not only gave the hosts two straight wins in the three-day tournament but also sent them to the top of the group and confirmed a place in next month’s second round tournament, where they will travel to Chennai to play in Group E from May 24-26 against hosts India, China and SEA Games title-holders Indonesia.

In the opening match on the previous day, Thailand powered past Uzbekistan in straight sets 25-21 25-23 25-19. Against Afghanistan on Saturday, the home team again received solid performances from their starters including powerful spiker Supachai Sriphum, who led the team with 16 kills from 22 attempts.

“It was great to win the match,” Thai head coach Sophon Panulawan said. “Our serves were much better than the previous match against Uzbekistan. One thing that still worries me is our setter, who is still inexperienced. Receiving the first ball is also another problem we have to solve before we travel to Chennai, India for the second-round clash next month.

“In India, I think an uphill task awaits my team. India and China are very strong, while Indonesia is also formidable. We lost to the Indonesians in the SEA Games in Vietnam two years ago and we can't overlook them this time. Now, we have to train much harder to be thoroughly prepared for the Chennai meet. Although our chance in India is very bleak, I hope my players will try their best there."

Afghanistan’s head coach Mukhtari Sayed, meanwhile, expressed his satisfaction with the match despite the result. “I think we played well. We did not train properly before coming here. My country just took Volleyball seriously two years ago and we are internationally inexperienced," he said. "Give us just one more year and I think my team can match Thailand or any team in Asia. Against Uzbekistan tomorrow (on Sunday), I hope that my team will regain their form and play more competitively. Of course, we need at least a win from this tournament.”

On Sunday, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan will battle it out for the second place and the remaining ticket to the second round, where they will play in Group F from May 22-24 in Teheran by going up against hosts Iran, Australia and the winners of Group A, who are still to be confirmed.
(Released by FIVB)
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