Lausanne, Switzerland, July 18, 2017 - Thailand host the Dominican Republic Friday in Bangkok - the second time the two sides come head-to-head this season after the Caribbean team won in four sets in Apeldoorn on the opening weekend. Thailand, last beat the Dominican Republic in the 2014 FIVB World grand Prix, also in Bangkok.
Head-to-Head• On 9 July, these teams met in their World Grand Prix encounter in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. The Dominican Republic recorded a 3-1 victory.
• Thailand's most recent victory over Dominican Republic came in the 2014 World Grand Prix. The match in Bangkok was won 3-1 by the hosts.
• This will be their fifth World Grand Prix encounter. Their series is tied at two apiece.
Thailand• Thailand have won only one of their first six World Grand Prix matches this season.
• Remarkably, that won was a straight sets triumph over titleholders Brazil.
• This is also Thailand's only victory in their last 12 matches in the competition.
• Thailand have lost each of their last five World Grand Prix matches in front of a home crowd. Each of these five took place in Bangkok and was lost in straight sets.
• Nootsara Tomkom is Group 1's leading setter, averaging 9.43 per set.
Dominican Republic• After winning promotion to Group 1 last season, Dominican Republic have started their campaign in the top tier with three victories from their first six.
• Dominican Republic have never finished in the top six of a World Grand Prix season. Their best classification is eighth place.
• Each of Dominican Republic's last two World Grand Prix matches were decided in five sets. The last time they played three in a row was in 2013, winning two and losing one.
• Brayelin Martinez leads her team in points scoring on 104 this season. This is second best among all players in Group 1.
• Annerys Vargas is Group 1's leading blocker and the only one in the top tier averaging 1.00 per set.