Nataphon Srisamutnak expects a tough battle in the Bangkok tournament.

Despite jetlag, coach Nataphon plots two wins on familiar territory

Nataphon Srisamutnak's girls have vowed to go great guns in the FIVB World Grand Prix third leg, targeting two victories in front of home crowds at The Mall Bangkapi's MCC Hall.

The third leg of the tournament simultaneously starts today in three cities - Group G in Bangkok (Cuba, Germany, Kazakhstan and Thailand), Group H in Taipei (Italy, USA, Turkey and Poland) and Group I in Macao (China, Brazil, Japan and Dominican Republic).

In today's games, Thailand take on Kazakhstan at 2pm, while Cuba play Germany at 5pm. It was against Kazakh-stan that Thailand lost 1-3 at the World Olympic Qualific-ation Tournament in Japan shattering their dreams of making it to the Olympics.

On his team's chances, Nataphon said that a daunting task awaits his girls. "It will be tough. Every team participating in the WGP is strong. It's therefore not easy to win against any team," he said.

"Also, many players in my team have suffered from jetlag caused by the long journey from the second leg in Poland to Bangkok. However, it's our priority to win against at least two teams. I hope my girls will do their best in front of the home crowd," he said.

Cuban head coach Antonio Perdomo Estrella said that his girls have to make a clean sweep in the remaining three matches to make sure his side qualifies for the grand finals in Japan from July 9 to 13.

Kazakh coach Viktor Zhura-vlev admitted that his team is yet to win a single set after the first two legs. He expected his girls to gain valuable experience in improving the team's tactics and techniques ahead of the Beijing Olympics.