Thai women eye history By Preechachan Wiriyanupappong
Publisher:Rasmei Kampuchea - Publication Date: 06-05-2008

Thai women spikers left May 6 tonight for the World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Japan, with hopes of grabbing one of the four berths on offer.

The round-robin tournament, which will be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium from May 17-25, will feature Japan, Thailand, Korea, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Poland, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

The event doubles as the Asian Olympic qualifier and the best three teams plus the best Asian team - even if all the top three teams are Asian - will book places in Beijing.

If the Thai girls accomplish their dream, they will become the first team from the Kingdom to make it to the Olympics.

Italy, Brazil, USA, Algeria, Russia, Cuba and Venezuela have already won their berths, while reigning champions China have qualified as hosts.

The Thai squad will play the Pioneer Rocket Club in Tokyo in a series of warm-up matches from May 7-15. The girls trained in Turkey and Israel from April 8-21.

Contract extended

Meanwhile, the Thailand Volleyball Association (TVA) has reached an agreement with the Konya Areri Club of Turkey to extend the contract of two Thai players - Pluemjitr Thinkhao and Malika Kanthong - for another season.

The duo will be joined in In Turkey by another Thai player, Vilawan Apinyapong, who will move from the Spanish league.

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I love volleyball but I can't watch it because I get too into it. I don't like my hidden competitiveness.

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I just can't help myself. Risk it all with me.