Though Thailand‘s performance in the 2017 World Grand Prix was overall not their best, finishing at a lackluster record of 3-6, the Thai managed to end their tournament with a commanding 3-0, 25-13, 25-21, 25-20 victory over Italy. In that match, Thailand opened the first set with an eleven point run. Key to such a success was middle blocker and captain, Pleumjit Thinkaow, and setter Nootsara Tomkom.
“I think it’s from the sixth sense because now we [have] played very, very long and I can see that,” Tomkom said in a brief video interview from FIVB, speaking of her chemistry with Thinkaow. The duo has been practicing together for over ten years—plenty of time to build that ‘sixth sense’ connection which helps them win games.
“For the rally, we think that the quick ball is really important,” Tomkom went on to say, referencing the faster style of play that many teams are making the shift to. The quick offense the Thai setter likes to run certainly pays off, as many of Thinkaow’s team high fourteen points in Thailand’s victory over Italy came off of kills from a quick attack.
When asked if she has an idol, Tomkon answered that she “[likes] so many setters, that’s why I cannot choose which one is the best player for me.” Pleumjit followed by saying her setter is a combination of all the best aspects of other setters.
For the entire interview, the Thai stars were laughing and smiling, a testament to their obvious chemistry. In a team sport like volleyball, a working bond is crucial for the success of the team, but a special relationship, on the court and off, can really enhance the sense of comradery and trust that helps a team win in a group effort sport.
Thinkaow and Tomkom’s interview can be watched below.
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