Home side China proved too strong for Thailand in the two sides' opening match on Friday evening of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix 2016 in Ningbo.

The Chinese women began their campaign with a 3-0 (25-14, 25-14, 25-11) victory over Thailand, who were led by Ajcharaporn Kongyot with 17 points. The Thai women managed just two blocks in the entire match against 11 by their powerful opponents.

The competition gets even tougher for the Thai side on Saturday when they meet the United States at 2pm Thailand time. The defending World Grand Prix champions and world No 1 side began their title defence in Ningbo on Friday with a straight-sets win over Germany.

China and Thailand met just a few days earlier in the final of the Montreux Masters in Switzerland, where the Chinese also prevailed in straight sets.

China and Thailand have now met 16 times at the World Grand Prix, with China winning 14 of those meetings, including their previous two in 2015 and 2014. Thailand's last World Grand Prix victory over China came back in 2012 when they prevailed in five sets.

The Thai women are taking part in the event for the 14th time. Their best result came back in 2012 when they finished fourth. Last year they ended in ninth place.

China won the tournament once, in 2003. They also claimed five silver and three bronze medals.

The 24th edition of the annual women's international volleyball tournament is being played by 28 countries from June 3 to July 10. The Group 1 final round will be held in Bangkok from July 6-10.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by Bangkok Post

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