Thailand is determined to put its Asian Volleyball Confederation Men’s Cup debacle behind and is fully focused on the task at hand in the SEA V Cup.
But Chaiwat Thungkham stressed that they’re not entertaining talk of a title repeat in the zonal meet just yet.
‘We look at it game by game, we focus on just that. One game, one game, and then the next, until the final,’ Thungkham said when asked about eyeing another crown after ruling Week One of last year’s SEA V. League, also here at the Candon City Arena.
Thailand notched its second consecutive victory for a place in the semifinals, chalking up a 25-15, 25-16, 25-19, rout of debuting Myanmar on Thursday after a tough four-setter against Vietnam in the opener.
The Thais are eager to get back their rhythm after a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men’s Volleyball Cup just last month in India.
Indonesia won a five-setter against Thailand in pool play on the way to the AVC Cup title, and now local fans here are in for a treat as the regional rivals are on course for a tantalizing grudge rematch in SEA V Cup presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and the City of Candon headed by Mayor Eric D. Singson.
The Indonesians play in Pool A with Alas Pilipinas and Cambodia.
But Thungkham refused to be drawn on matchups, saying they are simply glad to achieve their immediate targets.
‘We got three points today, we hit our goal,’ Thungkham.
‘We are very happy with these two games, this boosts our confidence for the next round.’
Nadapet Bhinijdee scored 17 on 13 attacks, two blocks and two aces, while Thungkham had 10 points on nine attacks and an ace.
Kyaw Aung Myo led Myanmar with 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks. No other Burmese player scored in double figures.
Vietnam and Myanmar clash on Friday.
Aside from the title, at stake in the zonal meet are important FIVB world ranking points.
Indonesia has vaulted to No. 44 in the world with their AVC Men’s Cup triumph, while Vietnam entered the SEA V Cup as No. 62 and Thailand 66th.
The Philippines started the week at No. 90, with Cambodia at 117.