China downed Thailand 3-2 (25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 19-25, 19-17) on Tuesday in the top eight round of the Asian men's volleyball championships.

 

 

Yuan Zhi, Fang Yingchao and Yu Dawei each scored 14 points to help China survive a brilliant fight by Thailand. Chui Jianjun had 13 points and Shen Qiong 11.

 

It was Thailand who dominated the fifth set as they took a 6-4 lead and had extended to 16-14 before Yu Daiwei had two successful blocks in the last minute to give China the victory. "I am not satisfied with the game, the players were not concentrated on the court after the opening set," commented China head coach Zhou Jian'an.

 

"Thai players played very well today and we had no idea to deal with their brilliant counter-attack."

 

"China has won two games, but I am not satisfied with either of them. The players could not have a firm performance during the game, which will be a deadly problem for the Chinese team in the future," said Zhou.

 

Sriphum Supachai had 21 points for Thailand and Tabwises Wanchai got 20.

 

"This is a great game, but our team was a little bit unlucky," said Panulawan Sophon, head coach of Thailand.

 

"Chinese players are taller than us, that caused a problem to us and decided the result, but I am satisfied with the performance of our players. They did a great job today."

 

China will play against host Indonesia on Wednesday, as Thailand will face Chinese Taipei.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2007)