Macao, China, 9 June 2012 - Thailand and China set up an exciting finale for the winner’s title of Macao leg of 2012 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix, after overcoming Puerto Rico and Argentina in their respective matches.

In the first match of the day, Thailand continued their winning ways with a three-set victory over Puerto Rico (25-21, 25-20, 25-22).  Malika Kanthong and Pleumjit Thinkaow led the way for Thailand with 11 and 10 kills respectively. Sarai Alvarez led Puerto Rico with an impressive 16 kills.

It was a tight first set as neither team could establish more than a three-point lead throughout. Sarai Alvarez provided much of the offense for Puerto Rico in set one, but it was not enough to counteract the strong serving and efficient blocking of Thailand.

Puerto Rico went into the first technical timeout ahead in set two. But more tough serving from Thailand saw them quickly retake the lead. Sarai Alvarez and Yarimar Rosa led Puerto Rico’s offense, but it was the inability of their teams’ block to contain the diverse Thailand attack that was the difference.

Thailand appeared to be heading to an easy victory as it pulled ahead at 23-18 in set three, but Puerto Rico battled back in sensational style to within one point with the help of some big blocks at the net, forcing Thailand to take a time out. Thailand was not to be denied and returned to the court to quickly close out the match.

China then overcame a slow start to defeat Argentina (23-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18) in the next match. Rouqi Hui and Junjing Yang led the way for China with 11 kills each and Hui also led her team with 3 blocks. Paula Nizetich led Argentina with 10 kills.

It was a role reversal from yesterday's play as team China struggled to find its form early on in set one. Poor passing and unforced errors by the Chinese had the Argentinians leading throughout the set.

Set two saw the Chinese pick up their game, led by outside hitter Ruoqi Hui who dominated from the outside. Despite their more energetic play, Argentina could not keep pace with the revitalized Chinese squad.

The Chinese led early in set three due to some strong serving on their part. Despite being down by five points at the second technical timeout, Argentina would not go away and managed to draw even with the Chinese at nineteen. The Chinese responded with their own rally to close out the set 25-22. This set was the most intense one of the match and the fans at the Macao Forum were treated with several long rallies.