Princess Cup South East Asian Women’s U19 Volleyball Tournament gets underway as host Thailand beats New Zealand 3-0(25-17,25-12 and 25-10) as Vietnam,Indonesia and Phillipines too gets off to winning start

The princess Cup South East Asian Womens U-19 volleyball tournament started off in style in Wi Sommai arena in Sisaket province in Thailand as eight teams in two groups locked horns in the curtain raiser action on opening day.After a welcoming opening ceremony in presence of healthy young crowd the opening day action started with Vietnam locking horns against Malaysia.Vietnam showed their class with strong play as they blanked Malaysia 3-0 winning in straight set by 25-07,25-14 and 25-11 margin.


Next match was the showcase event of the day as hosts Thailand played against New Zealand and with the vocal crowd support Thailand blasted their way through winning the match by 25-12, 25-11 and 25-07 as the hosts gave no sniff to the Kiwi opponent. Thailand played strong both front and back of the court as they stretched the Kiwis to all parts of the court and showed good strong tactical play winning the match by a comfortable 3-0 margin.

In the third encounter another Asian team Indonesia came up strong against Australia as they beat the Aussies in another clean sweep of the day winning by 25-20, 25-15,25-14 margin.

In the last mach of the day Philippines overcame some late fightback from Singapore to win 3-0 as they thumped Singapore by 25-09, 25-14 and 25-23 margin. Philippines had it easy in the first two sets as they coasted to a 2-0 margin though they seemed to lost the plot  in the third set making a few errors from play and serve allowing Singapore to give them a late scare finally scraping past by 25-23 margin to complete the clean sweep in three sets.

In tomorrows encounter, Malaysia will face off against Australia, Vietnam face Indonesia,Philippines against New Zealand and  Singapore are pitted against host Thailand. 

ndonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Philippines and hosts Thailand ready to battle for championship in the Princess Cup 19th Est Cola Southeast Asian Women’s U19 Volleyball Championship, which will be held from June 16 to 20 in Si Sa Ket, Thailand.

Bangkok,Thailand, June 29, 2016 – Eight countries have confirmed their participation in the Princess Cup 19th Est Cola Southeast Asian Women’s U19 Volleyball Championship, which will be held from June 16 to 20 in Si Sa Ket, Thailand.

The eight participating teams in this tournament comprise Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Philippines and hosts Thailand.

Mr Somporn Chaibangyang, president of Thailand Volleyball Association, presided over the press conference on June 16 at Alexander Hotel in Bangkok. Also taking part as guests of honour were Mrs Tantip Sirinupong, director of Community Development program Thai Beverage, and Mr Siripong Angkasakulkiat, president of Sisaket Sports Association. In attendance with the meeting were the national U19 players and a number of journalists.

Somporn said in the meeting, “This tournament has been regarded as one of the most important events in junior level in which the players can show their potentials and gain valuable experience. These young players will then be included in the senior national team and replace the retiring players in the future.

The tournament will be held with aims of encouraging the Asean federations to promote volleyball by sending their teams to compete with the Asia’s leading teams such as China, Japan, Korea and Chinese Taipei.

“I do hope that the participating teams in this tournament will be able to catch up with the top Asian teams in the future.I wish everyone a success,” he added.

“Volleyball is one of the most popular sports in Si Sa Ket.That’s the reason why more and more international tournaments have been hosted in this province including the Princess Cup this year.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Siripong revealed about how far the preparation the province has made in hosting the tournament.

“On behalf of the Sisaket Sports Association and representative of the province, we are so glad that Si Sa Set has been trusted to host the Princess Cup 19th Est Cola Southeast Asian Women’s U19 Volleyball Championship this year. As hosts, we promise to do our best to provide the best service to impress all participants during their staying in the province. Accommodations, the competition courts and volunteers have been prepared to make sure that we are ready for this tournament,” Siripong concluded .

The participating teams are divided to two pools with the Philippines, New Zealand, Singapore and hosts Thailand in Pool A. Pool B features Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia and Malaysia.

The top two teams in each pool will advance to the semi-finals, while the third and fourth places of each pool will contest the 5th-8th classification round on July 18. The third place playoff and the championship match will take place on July 20.

Match schedule
July 16
11am: Opening ceremony
12pm: Vietnam vs Malaysia
2pm: New Zealand vs Thailand
4pm: Indonesia vs Australia
6pm: Philippines vs Singapore

July 17
12pm: Malaysia vs Australia
2pm: Vietnam vs Indonesia
4pm: Philippines vs New Zealand
6.30pm: Singapore vs Thailand

July 18
12pm” Malaysia vs Indonesia
2pm: New Zealand vs Singapore
4pm: Australia vs Vietnam
6pm: Thailand vs Philippines

2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix:Brazil annihilated the European champions Russia in convincing straight sets 25-22 25-10 25-21 to storm their ways to the semi-finals of the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals

Bangkok, Thailand, July 7, 2016 – Defending Olympic champions Brazil annihilated the European champions Russia in convincing straight sets 25-22 25-10 25-21 to storm their ways to the semi-finals of the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals at the Indoor Stadium Hua Mark on Thursday.

Sheilla Castro remained a point collector for Brazil to be reckoned with as the veteran attacker top scored with 14 points for the team, all of them through sharp spikes. Natalia Goncharova led Russia with 12 point consisting of 10 kills from 31 attempts and two stuff blocks. 

Both Brazil and Russia started up in full strength in the opening set to trade points from the beginning. However, the Brazil’s solid blocks from Thaisa Menezes and Natalia Pereira worked out pretty well as Brazil sealed the first-set win 25-22.

Holding a 1-0 advantage, Brazil continued their brilliant run in the second set, while the Russians became more prone with hasty unforced mistakes. Brazil took the completely one-sided set 25-10 to stretch it to 2-0.

Russia put their acts together in the third set, hoping to revive their fortunes. They chased from trailing 14-18 to narrow the margin 19-22. However, as Brazil were leading 24-21, Sheila Castrol overpowered the taller blockers with her exceptional spike to help the team win 25-21 and match.

Following the scintillating win over Russia, world No.3 Brazil, which the previous day outclassed hosts Thailand in straight sets, had six points from two straight wins to assure them a semi-final berth at the Bangkok Finals.

Russia on Friday play a must-win match against Thailand. A loss to the host side means a drop from the semi-finals and instead contest the fifth-sixth place playoff.

After the match, Russia captain Kosianenko Ekaterina said, “We are very disappointed with our today’s performance. We didn’t play well as expected. Brazil played very well while we made so many mistakes. We will try to play better for the next match against Thailand.”

Russia coach Yury Marichev commented: “We didn’t play according to our game plan today. We will go back to prepare for the next match against Thailand. I think it’s going to be tough to play against them in front of packed home crowd.”

Brazil captain Claudino Fabiana said, “We had a good preparation for this match. We used a lot of power as we and Russia have the similar tactics and size.”

Brazil coach Jose Roberto Lages Guimaraes added, “We really played a good match. Now we are in the first of the group. We are waiting for the next game as we don’t know whom we will play with. It can be Netherlands, China or USA.”

2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix : World champions USA drubbed Netherlands 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-23)

Bangkok, Thailand, July 6, 2016 – World champions USA had a great final six kick-off and are on course for their title defence, as they drubbed the Netherlands 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-23) in the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals at the Indoor Stadium Hua Mark on Wednesday.

Foluke Akinradewo scored a match-high 16 points for the USA, while Lonneke Sloetjes tallied 15 points for the Netherlands.

USA started off strong with a formidable starting line-up, which comprised Alisha Glass, Jordan Larson-Burbach, Kelly Murphy and Akinradewo, while the Netherlands were led by the hard-hitting Sloetjes and Anne Bujis. After taking a commanding 12-8 lead, USA maintained their lead at 18-14. Sloetjes showed her scoring prowess to score three points in a row to cut down the USA lead to 18-17. The Netherlands managed to level the score at 19-all, but the USA played clutch and took the opening set 25-21.

The Netherlands came up with a stronger performance in the second set to lead 5-1, but they were not able to sustain their momentum as USA started to deliver the points, with Akinradewo’s quick spikes and their solid triple blocks. USA deadlocked at 16-all and their exceptional teamwork helped them score six straight points to snatch the lead 22-16. USA only allowed the Netherlands to score one point before Larson’s effective drop ended the set in their favour 25-17.

The Netherlands made a last ditch effort in the third set, as they came all out and challenged USA in each rally. USA held a slim lead at 24-22, but Sloetjes managed to save another point for the Netherlands, as her spike penetrated the tight USA defence. Akinradewo handed USA the final point on an attack to complete the sweep 25-23.

2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix:Reigning Olympic champions Brazil powered past hosts Thailand in straight sets 26-24, 25-16, 25-11

Bangkok, Thailand, July 6, 2016 – Reigning Olympic champions Brazil powered past hosts Thailand in straight sets 26-24, 25-16, 25-11 in the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix at Indoor Stadium Huamark on Wednesday.

Natalia Pereira delivered 23 points including 20 powerful attacks, two blocks and a service ace to help the South American side gain edge in the final round of the tournament. Ajcharaporn Kongyot led Thailand with 14 points.

Brazil have proven to be a cut above their Asian rivals as they outclassed them in all scoring categories. Brazil outscored Thailand in attacks 47-32, in blocks 11-1, and in service aces 5-1.

The host team, led by Onuma Sittirak and Pleumjit Thinkaow, delighted their supporters by showing top form in the opening set. Brazil matched the hosts’ intensity by fielding in their seasoned players. Thaisa Menezes’ spectacular presence in the middle and Sheilla’s fierce spikes put Brazil ahead at 19-16. Thailand bounced back, to the delight of their fans, as they levelled at 22-all. Brazil showed more focus in the end as they clutched the first set win 26-24.

Brazil took control of the second and third sets as Pereira overwhelmed the Thai blockers with her aggressive spikes. Brazil took an easy 25-16 win in the second frame, then showed a much stronger performance in the third set, as Thailand struggled to break their opponents momentum. Brazil commanded a 23-11 lead, then Gabriela Braga Guimaraes secured the match sweep with two attack winners 25-11.

2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals:Brazil, European champions Russia and hosts Thailand are in Pool J, with world champions and title-holders USA, World Cup champions and European silver medallists the Netherlands in Pool K.

Bangkok, Thailand, July 5, 2016 – Enthusiasm and excitement loom in the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok on Tuesday when head coaches and captains of all six participating teams gathered at the press conference in front of a large number of media persons to comment about their teams’ prospects at the Bangkok Finals between July 6 to 10.

Brazil
Head coach Jose Roberto Lages Guimaraes: “It’s great to be in the Finals. Every team here is very strong. It must be a very competitive competition. We have trained well in preparation for the Finals and we will try our best here.”

Captain Fabiana Claudino: “I’m very glad that my team have a chance to compete in the Finals. I wish my team the best result out here. We will do our best.”

China
Head coach An Jiajie: “We are very glad to compete in the Finals. Hosts Thailand gave us a very warm welcome. We are ready to fight for the best here.”

Captain Hui Ruoqi: “I’m really glad that my team are in the Finals here. Thailand played an excellent host and we feel like at home.”

The Netherlands
Head coach Giovanni Guidetti: “I’m glad that my team are here in the Finals against the world’s strong teams. It’s great to have a chance to play the world’s best teams. We will try to do our best and for each match, we will come up with our best effort one at a time.”
Captain Maret Balkestein-Grothues: “It must be a very tough challenge out here. Every team is very, very strong, especially the USA, which captured the top spot at the end of the preliminary round.”

Russia
Head coach Yuri Marichev: “We will try to do our best here. We have trained intensively in Japan ahead of arrival here. I hope that my players will do their best.”
Captain Ekaterina Kosianenko: “It will be a daunting challenge. Every team is very strong. We just concentrate on each game we play and absolutely, we will do our best.”

Thailand
Head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai: “Every team in the Finals is very, very strong. All participating teams have already qualified for the Rio Olympic Games. We will play according to our game plan and system. Furthermore, we will play with sportsmanship and spirit. I wish my team a success on home matches.”
Captain Pleumjit Thinkaow: “I’m very glad that Thailand stand a chance to host one of the world’s biggest women’s tournaments. We then can learn from the world’s top teams and obtain valuable experience. We will try our best in front of home supporters.”

USA
Head coach Karch Kiraly: “I would like to thank the Thailand Volleyball Association to host the world’s volleyball showcase. We now compete in the World Grand Prix Finals and therefore, every team is very, very strong. It’s great for sport and also great for spectators.
Captain Christa Harmotto Dietzen: “It’s very exciting. Thailand made a wonderful job welcoming each team. It’s a great challenge of the world’s top teams competing together ahead of the Rio Olympic Games. I wish our team a success in the Finals.”

The 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals are due to take place at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium from July 6 to 10. Defending two-time Olympic champions Brazil, European champions Russia and hosts Thailand are in Pool J, with world champions and title-holders USA, World Cup champions and European silver medallists the Netherlands in Pool K.

The group round-robin contest kicks off on Wednesday, with the USA taking on the Netherlands at 3pm Bkk time and world No.13 Thailand challenge Brazil in the second encounter at 6pm. Channel 3 will televise the Thai match live.

Only top two teams from each pool will play the cross semi-finals on July 9, with the two winning teams battling it out for the eventual crown.

Fifteen countries have already confirmed their participation in the SMM 18th EST Cola Asian Women’s U19 Volleyball Championship, which will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand between July 23 and 31, 2016.

Bangkok,Thailand, June 24, 2016 – Fifteen countries have already confirmed their participation in the SMM 18th EST Cola Asian Women’s U19 Volleyball Championship, which will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand between July 23 and 31, 2016.

 

The participating teams in this tournament comprise Australia, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, Kazakstan, Korea, New Zealand, Philippines, Vietnam,Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka, Macao, India and hosts Thailand.

Mr Somporn Chaibangyang, president of Thailand Volleyball Association, presided over the press conference at Alexander Hotel in Bangkok on Friday, with Mr Chana Pankaew, Thai Beverage Marketing manager, Nakhon Ratchasima Vice Governor Narong Wunsiew, Mr Preecha Limhua, general manager of The Mall Korat, Mr Prat Chaikham, deputy managing director of  Siam Inter Multimedia, and Mr Watchara Watcharaphon, CEO of Thairat TV, in attendance. Also taking part in the  meeting were the Thailand women’s U19 players and a large number of journalists.

Mr Somporn said in the meeting, “This tournament has been regarded as one of the important competitions in the AVC programs which the young players can show their potentials and gain valuable experience in order that they can replace senior players in the near future. Actually, It is not only for the Thai players, but also the whole Asian teams.I wish everyone good luck and the best result in the competition.”

The nine-day competition has been divided into four pools. Sri Lanka, Vietnam and hosts Thailand are in Pool A, while Hong kong, New Zealand, Kazakhstan and title-holders China are in Pool B. Pool C features Macao, Iran, Japan and India, with Korea, Chinese Taipei, Australia and the Philippines in Pool D.

The tournament will be contested simultaneously at The Mall Korat’s MCC Hall and Nakhon RatchasimaRajabhat University.

“On behalf of The Mall Korat, we are so glad to work closely with the Thailand Volleyball Association and Nakhon Ratchasima province to have hosted so many international volleyball tournaments here, and we have received compliments from participating teams worldwide for hosting them successfully. Our venue meets standard with a seating capacity of 4,000. Moreover, the participants will also have a chance to relax themselves and enjoy shopping here at The Mall,” said Preecha.

New Zealand and reigning champions China will set up the curtain-raisers on July 23 at The Mall Korat’s MCC Hall and Macao will face India at Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University Gymnasium, starting from 12pmonwards.

The pool round-robin preliminary competition continues until July 25, while June 26 will be the rest day. The event will resume on July 27 until July 31.

The top two teams in this tournament will qualify  for the FIVB Volleyball Women’s U20 World Championship next year, but the host nation has yet confirmed.

MATCH SCHEDULE

POOL ROUND-ROBIN PRELIMINARIES

JULY 23

New Zealand vs China

Macao vs India

Hong kong vs Kazakhstan

Iran vs Japan

Vietnam vs Thailand

Chinese Taipei vs Australia

Korea vs Philippines

JULY 24                                                                   

Hong Kong vs New Zealand

India vs Japan      

Kazakstan vs China

Macao vs Iran

Korea vs Chinese Taipei

Sri langka vs Vietnam

Philipines vs Australia

JULY 25       

China vs Hong Kong

Iran vs India

New Zealand vs Kazakstan

Japan vs Macao

Thailand vs Sri Lanka

Chinese Taipei vs Philipines

Australia vs Korea