Thai players celebrate taking the third set from USA in their opening match of the World Grand Prix in Wroclaw, Poland.

A gallant Thailand, yet to get off the mark in this year's World Grand Prix, fought hard before going down 1-3 to the formidable United States in the second leg at the Centennial Hall yesterday.

Thailand, who had a disastrous start to the competition in Ningbo, China last weekend, tried to turn the tide against the Americans after losing the first two sets 18-25 17-25.

There were signs that the American attack was faltering in the third, which encouraged Thailand. Spikers Pluemjit Thinkaow and Onuma Sittirak went on the offensive. They took the hotly-contested third set 28-26.

Leading 17-7 in the fourth set, American star spiker Tom Logan maintained the pace with a blistering drive on the right to bring up set point at 24-13 before Tayyiba Haneef finished it immediately with another winner.

Coach happy with form

"I'm very satisfied with the set win over the US," said head coach Nataphon Srisamutnak.

"We did it before when we met at last year's World Cup.  We improved our attacking in the third set, which we won eventually. I'm happy with my girls' improved form."

Earlier, the Dominican Republic beat hosts Poland 3-1 (25-22 19-25 25-17 25-20). At the first leg in Alassio, Italy, the Dominicans pipped  the same rivals 3-2.

Today, Thailand take on Poland at 8pm Bangkok time, while the Americans play the Dominicans at 10.30pm.