In this photo released by the Asian Volleyball Confederation on its official Facebook page, a member of the Chinese women's volleyball team hits a return during a match against Thailand at the Asian Women's Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on Sept 6, 2023.

BANGKOK - Hosts Thailand outclassed China 25-21, 25-27, 25-19, 20-25, 16-14 in the final of the 2023 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima on Wednesday.

Both teams remained unbeaten before entering the final showdown. The hosts got off to a brilliant start, taking the first set 25-21, much to the delight of home supporters.

The Thai players carried their momentum into the second set, setting an early pace before breaking away again to stretch it to 24-18.

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But China, which has dispatched a second-string lineup to the tournament, won six points in a row to tie 24-24 before nailing a terrific 27-25 comeback win.

Thailand went back on track in the third set to win 25-19, but China came all out in the fourth set and leveled again at 25-20.

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The decider saw both sides go neck and neck down to wire. China led all the way, but Thailand benefited from two crucial serves to take the heart-pounding set.