Natalia Pereira top scored for Brazil in their straight-set win over Thailand in the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals in Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand, July 6, 2016 – Reigning Olympic champions Brazil overpowered hosts Thailand 3-0 (26-24, 25-16, 25-11) in the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix at Indoor Stadium Huamark on Wednesday.
Natalia Pereira delivered 23 points, including 20 excellent attacks, two blocks and a service ace to help the South American side gain edge in the final round of the tournament. Ajcharaporn Kongyot led Thailand with 14 points.
Brazil have proven to be a cut above their Asian rivals as they outclassed them in all scoring categories. Brazil outscored Thailand in attacks 47-32, in blocks 11-1, and in service aces 5-1.
The host team, led by Onuma Sittirak and Pleumjit Thinkaow, delighted their supporters by showing top form in the opening set. Brazil matched the hosts’ intensity by fielding in their seasoned players. Thaisa Menezes’ spectacular presence in the middle and Sheilla’s fierce spikes put Brazil ahead at 19-16. Thailand bounced back, to the delight of their fans, as they levelled at 22-all. Brazil showed more focus in the end as they clutched the first set win 26-24.
Brazil took control of the second and third sets as Pereira overwhelmed the Thai blockers with her powerful spikes. Brazil took an easy 25-16 win in the second frame, then showed a much stronger performance in the third set, as Thailand struggled to break their opponents momentum. Brazil commanded a 23-11 lead, then Gabriela Braga Guimaraes secured the match sweep with two attack winners 25-21.