Korea, Iran storm into AVC semis

The fired-up Koreans got off to a confident start with Jeon Kwangin producing powerful jump serves to help his team surge ahead world No 12 Australia to a 17-15 lead.

However, fielding five of the line-up who finished 12th place at this year’s World League, Australia counter-attacked level things at 22-22. From then on, the battle intensified with both teams trading fierce attacks and scintillating blocks. Australia fared better to take the hard-fought opener 28-26.

Throughout the second set there was never more than two points between the two. South Korea excelled in defence, while the Aussies launched devastating attacks from Lincoln Williams and Max Staples. The Koreans held their nerve to gradually claw back to win the see-saw set 26-24.

The third and fourth sets saw superior Korean teamwork overwhelm the fighting Aussies 25-19 25-19 for a 3-1 victory and a semi-final berth.

Today, South Korea go up against the winners between China and Kazakhstan, to be played last night.

“Despite the win, I don’t think we played well. They made too many mistakes in this match. They must improve their form in the semi-finals to advance in the tournament,” said Korea’s head coach Park Kiwon.

Meanwhile, current two-time Asian champions Iran enjoyed a straight-sets 25-20 25-14 25-18 win over Asian Games winners Japan. Iran, winners in 2008 and 2010, are due to take on the winners between Thailand and India.

“Today we played a perfect match, which was crucial considering that losing would have ended our title chances. We next take on either India or Thailand, either of which will be make a tough sem-final,” Iran’s head coach Peyman Akbari said.

World No 37 Thailand, who finished an impressive fourth at the Asian Games four years ago, made a poor start against in-form India to lose the first 19-25. They came back stronger in the second set to take an early 8-6 lead, thanks to Jirayu Raksakaew’s explosive attacks, but India fought back to wrap up the match 25-19 25-23 26-24.