Macao, China, June 10, 2012 - China lost the first set but came back strongly to defeat Thailand to win the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Macao 2012, presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group, from their opponent.  Puerto Rico’s first win of the campaign earned them third place and relegated Argentina to fourth place.

The day starts with Puerto Rico beating Argentina in four sets (25-20, 25-16, 16-25, 25-17).  Yarimar Rosa and Sarai Alvarez led the way for Puerto Rico with 23 and 15 kills respectively and Jetzabel Del Valleadded five blocks. Lucia Fresco led Argentina with nine kills.

Puerto Rico were the more consistent team in set one and their lack of errors allowed them to maintain the lead throughout. When the Argentinians did manage to apply some pressure, it was Sarai Alvarez for Puerto Rico who responded with one of her many kills to keep her team in control.

Things only got worse for Argentina in set two, as their block had little success against the Puerto Rico attack. For the Puerto Ricans their blocking game was strong, which allowed them to jump to an insurmountable 12-point lead before closing out the second set.

Argentina refused to be swept aside and came out more determined in set three. Their blocking was much improved and they managed to shut down their opponents for a while. This set provided the fans at the Macao Forum with several electrifying long rallies.

Puerto Rico came out in the fourth set with renewed energy, surging to a 10-point lead at the second technical timeout. Puerto Rican setter Vilmarie Mojica was again masterful with the ball, keeping the Argentinians off-balance throughout the whole match, and helped close out the game.

China and Thailand, both undefeated prior to today, then played out an exciting match in front of a noisy crowd at the Macao Forum, with China came out on top in four sets (18-25, 25,20, 25-18, 25-19) to maintain their 100 per cent in this year’s FIVB World Grand Prix campaign.  Hui Ruoqi and Ma Yunwen led the way for China with 12 and eight kills respectively; Ma added four blocks as well to lead her team. Onuma Sittirak led the attack for Thailand with 14 kills.

Thailand started out strongly and jumped ahead to an early 5-1 lead in set one, forcing an early timeout from China. The Chinese battled back with the help of some strong blocking and eventually drew even with their opponents at 14-14. But from that point the Chinese had difficulty with Thailand’s serve, allowing Thailand to close out the set

Set two had the Chinese jump out to a commanding 18-9 lead, in large part due to their sizeable block. Thailand did not go away as they fought back to come within two points, forcing China to take a timeout of its own. Ma Yunwen of China took matters into her own hands and closed out the set with a block, followed by two service aces.

Set three started with the Chinese powering ahead to a six-point lead at the second technical timeout, but it was Thailand who rallied soon after to come within one point. Once again it was Ma Yunwen that made a big kill to stem the tide, allowing China to regroup and claim the set.

Set four was a hard-fought affair, with neither team able to take control early on. The Chinese led by only one point at the first technical timeout and by two at the second technical timeout. Ultimately it was China’s overpowering play at the net that sealed the victory in front of the happy home crowd.

After the conclusion of today’s matches, the Organising Committee held a closing ceremony where individual and team awards were presented:

Team awards:

First place: China

Second place: Thailand

Third place: Puerto Rico

Fourth place: Argentina

Individual awards:

Best Scorer: Sarai Alvarez (Puerto Rico)

Best Server: Nootsara Tomkom (Thailand)

Best Blocker: Ma Yunwen (China)

Best Setter: Wei Qiuyue (China)

Best Spiker: Yarimar Rosa (Puerto Rico)

My Favourite Galaxy Start Player Awards:  Hui Ruoqi (China)