Poland sport unbeaten mark to assume leadership

Tokyo, Japan, May 31, 2016 – Poland assumed leadership after their win over Japan, then France and China’s respective victories moved them up to second and third places, while Canada recorded their first victory on Day 3 of the Men’s World Olympic Qualification Tournament at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Tuesday.

Quick links

Canada bt Australia 3-2 (25-19, 24-26, 20-25, 29-27, 15-11)China bt Venezuela 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 25-15)France bt Iran 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 25-22)Poland bt Japan 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-23)

Poland’s blocking strength came out and overwhelmed the Japanese hitters. Poland wiped out 11 attacks of Japan in their 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-23) victory that maintained their unbeaten run. Overall, Poland showed composure in crucial rallies in the third set, as Japan made an impressive run. Yuki Ishikawa’s top scoring haul of 17 points was in vain, as Poland scorers Marcin Mozdzonek and Bartosz Kurek produced better results in the end game. Mozdzonek scored 13 points, including nine attacks and four blocks, while Kurek scored nine attacks and three blocks.

Earlier, Canada earned their first victory in the tournament with a 3-2 (25-19, 24-26, 20-25, 29-27, 15-11) win over Australia. Canada had a great start but suddenly lost their momentum in the next two sets as Thomas Edgar had prolific scoring stints from the attack line. Canada fought hard to stay in the game as Australia challenged them in every play, until John Gordon Perrin and Gavin Schmitt scored the last two points in the set that extended the match to a tie-breaker. The Canadian serve became more efficient and troublesome for the other side, which allowed the North American side build a comfortable cushion in the end. Perrin top scored for Canada with 25 points, while team-mates Nicholas Hoag and Schmitt had 23 points apiece. Thomas Edgar had 33 points on a losing effort.

China gained their second victory in three matches …

continue reading in source www.fivb.org