Ningbo, China, June 9, 2016 - China and Thailand met just four days ago in the final of the Montreux Masters in Switzerland. On neutral ground, the Chinese mastered a 3-0 landslide. This Friday, when the two Asian sides meet again to open their FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix 2016 campaign, China will also have the home-court advantage.
Head-to-Head
• China and Thailand have met 15 times at the World Grand Prix, with China winning 13 of those meetings.
• China won their last two meetings with Thailand. In 2015 Thailand were beaten in straight sets, while China won 3-1 in 2014.
• Thailand's last World Grand Prix victory over China came back in 2012 when they prevailed in five sets.
• That 3-2 win for Thailand is also the only ever World Grand Prix match between these teams to be decided over five sets.
China
• China and Japan are the only teams to have participated at all previous 23 World Grands Prix.
• China won the tournament once, in 2003.
• They also claimed five silver and three bronze medals. Their total medal haul of nine is third most among all teams behind only Brazil (17) and Russia (13). Last season they finished in fourth place.
• China lost their last match at the World Grand Prix against United States in straight sets. They can lose back-to-back matches for the first time since Brazil and Japan beat them in straight sets in 2014.
• China lost only four of their 23 opening matches at the World Grand Prix. The last time was in 2014 when Brazil proved too strong (3-1).
Thailand
• Thailand will host the 2016 World Grand Prix Group 1 final. Last year United States became the first ever hosts to also claim the title.
• Thailand will participate for the 14th time at the World Grand Prix. Their best result came back in 2012 when they finished fourth. Last year they ended in ninth place.
• Thailand have lost their last three World Grand Prix matches. Their last win came against Belgium (3-1).
• Last year Thailand won their opening match when they prevailed in five sets against Serbia.