Hampered by a host ofunforced errors the fancied struggled in the first set that saw the race to a 5-1 lead A mid-set recovery in which the japa nese outplayed the Thais 10-to-2 points carried the score to 15-15 However, Thailand were able to keep the scoreboard ticking and they dominated the Japanese again towards the end to claim the first set 25-20 There were no overwhelming quick-fire spikes by the Thai women at the start ofthe second and the two side took turns to claim the upper hand When the Japanese rallied to tie the score 9-9, Thailand coach Kiattipong Rad- chatagriengkai had a word with his play- ers but they were unable to re-establish their stronghold and the set remained evenly poised. Saori Sakoda almost singlehandedly pinched the lengthy set from the Thais 25-23 as her combination of spikes, serves and saves made a profound impact the hosts