Tehran, Iran, August 20, 2022 – Unbeaten title-holders Japan stormed into the semi-finals of the 14th Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship following brilliant 25-21, 25-18, 25-12 victory over Kuwait in their Saturday’s quarterfinal clash at the Federation Hall.
Against Kuwait in their crucial match on Saturday, the mighty Japanese had a comfortable task. Their determined efforts bore fruits as Japan came all-out with the single goal in mind – to beat the rivals and ensure that the semifinal berth could be within their reach.
As expected, the Arab side could not cope with the formidable rivals’ amazing power-and-speed tactics and went down in the first set to the well-established Japanese counterparts 21-25.
Despite putting on an improved form, the Kuwaitis still could not make their mark in the second set, leaving Japan to seize the opportunity to attack effectively and block solidly for the crucial 25-18 win. With Shunta Ono and Hiroki Bito continuing to notch crucial points through spectacular attacks, Japan remained exceptional in the third set and captured the lopsided set 25-12 and match.
Hiroki Bito chipped in with 14 points including 13 attacks for Japan, while Hasan Alqattan led Kuwait with 10 points.
“We did not have an easy game against Kuwait as they played very well. Our goal is to defeat Korea in the next match”, Hiroshi Honda, Japan head coach, said.
Related links of AVC
AVC Website: click www.asianvolleyball.net
AVC Facebook: click www.Facebook.com/AsianVolleyballConfederation
AVC Twitter: click: www.twitter.com/AsianVolleyball
AVC Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/avcvolley/?hl=en
AVC Youtube: click: Asian Volleyball Confederation
AVC WeChat: Asian Volleyball Confederation