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Thai women bring home the gold in volleyball

Over come leg cramps to upset Japan

One of the biggest surprises of the 13th Asian Games came at Pattaya Park Beach when Mansanan Paengka and Ratanaporn Alaisukh earned the Gold medal in Women’s Beach Volleyball.

Mansanan Paengka and Ratanaporn Alaisukh celebrate after winning the Gold in Women’s Beach Volleyball at Pattaya Park.

The Thai duo defeated Games’ favorites Yukiko Yakahashi and Mika Saiki from Japan in the finals 12-5 & 12-8 for a two set sweep. The Japanese team had finished 5th at the Olympic games at Atlanta.

The Thai women’s gold medal was the 22nd Gold medal for Thailand and the fourth gold medal for Thailand coming from the Games in Chonburi.

More than 2,000 fans turned out to cheer on the Thai women. Many considered it a miracle that the two won, as the Thai team was considered to be way overmatched. Adding to the suspense, Ratanaporn came down with leg cramps during the finals, causing the match to stop for 5 minutes and quieting the large, partisan crowd. But in the end, the resourceful duo were able to overcome the adversity and bring home the gold.

In rowing, Phutaraksa Nikri, a hill girl from Huay Poo Sing in Mae Hong Son, was able to capture the bronze medal in the 2,000 meter race.