Lausanne, Switzerland, July 13, 2017 - Japan host Thailad Friday in Sendai in a rematch of last weekend's game which Japan won in five sets in Apeldoorn. It's the 12th time overall that the two sides come head-to-head in the history of the FIVB World Grand Prix, with Japan leading the series on a very solid 9-2 record - including the last six. Thailand haven't beaten Japan in the competition since 2012.
Head-to-Head• Japan and Thailand will meet for the 12th time in the World Grand Prix.
• Japan have won nine of their 11 previous encounters, including each of their last six. Thailand's only wins came in 2009 and 2012, both in five sets.
• Their most recent meeting came last week, when Japan won in five sets. Two Japanese players reached at least 20 points in that match: Sarina Koga (23) and Mari Horikawa (21).
Japan• Japan won two of their three matches so far at this year's World Grand Prix, both in five sets (Thailand, Netherlands).
• Japan could win three of their first four matches in the competition for the first time since opening with six wins in 2013.
• Against Netherlands, Japan won their first World Grand Prix match after trailing two sets since beating Germany in 2013.
• Japan have won back-to-back matches in the competition only once in their last 23 matches. Last year they beat Germany and Thailand in succession.
Thailand• Thailand are currently on a nine-match losing streak in the competition, since the 3-2 win against Italy on 20 June 2016.
• Thailand have won the opening set only once in their last 18 World Grand Prix matches, also in that 3-2 win against Italy.
• Thailand are hoping to record a World Grand Prix victory against a fellow AVC team for the first time since the 3-2 win against China in 2012.