After big wins over separate rivals Friday, Japan and Thailand find themselves in the title game of the 2013 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Japan won against South Korea in four sets, 25-22, 19-25, 25-19, 25-20 while hosts Thailand pulled off a thrilling 5-set classic over 12-time Asian titlists China, 19-25, 25-19, 25-22, 21-25, 16-14.
The Japanese and Thai spikers are not only aiming for the Asian title. They are also battling for the right to represent Asia in the prestigious FIVB World Grand Champions Cup set November 12 to 17, 2013 in Japan.
Going into the title game, Japan is the clear favourite as they have been more consistent in international competitions the last three years. They are currently ranked 3rd in the world in the most recent FIVB rankings.
In the Asian scene, they are regular podium finishers as well. Out of 16 AVC competitions, they have finished 3rd place or better 15 times with championships in 1975 (Melbourne, Australia), 1979 (Fukuoka, Japan) and most recently in 2007 also in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Favoured or not, the Thai spikers have delivered the big upsets so far in this tournament. Aside from winning over the Chinese giants, they also have already beaten this same Japanese squad in the second round in four sets, 25-15, 25-23, 23-25, 30-28.
Thailand won the AVC title in 2009 in Hanoi Vietnam for its only Asian championship and only appearance in the championship game.
The championship match is set to start at 6 p.m. local time or 9 p.m. Australia time.
2013 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship Live Streaming and Schedule.
Source: http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/507787/20130921/2013avc-asianvolleyballchampionship-thailandvsjapan.htm#.Uj1gKz8hW3u