Intro:

Japan kept their hopes of securing the last berth in the FIVB World Grand Prix Final Six on Saturday (18th July) with a 3-0 win over Thailand in Hong Kong.

Script:

Japan faced Thailand in Hong Kong in their final Pool H match needing a win to keep their hopes alive of securing the last spot in the World Grand Prix Final Six.

Thailand enjoyed the early momentum and, with Wilavan Apinyapong's crafty attacks, they worked their way to a 6-2 lead. Japan's block was working well though and with some strong attacking from Saori Kimura, they overhauled the deficit and took the first set 25-19.

The second set was closer but Miyu Nagaoka and Kimura were starring in attack with Mio Sato and Riho Otake excelling in defence, and Japan took it 25-21.

Kimura and Nagaoka joint top-scored with 15 points apiece as Japan pulled clear to take the third set 25-15 and complete a 3-0 victory. Maximum points was exactly what they required in their bid to reach the Final Six in Omaha, the United States, at the expense of Germany and Serbia.

If Serbia beat Germany, they will go through. Only a 3-0 win will do for Germany with Japan qualifying if Germany win 3-1 or 3-2.