Manama, Bahrain, July 29, 2024 – Defending and three-time champions Japan swept past Saudi Arabia 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 25-14) on Monday for their second straight Pool B win in the 15th Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship at Isa Sport City Hall C here.
The Japanese were in a class above their opponents and asserted their dominance in the game to come away with the full three points and ensure their berth in the tournament’s Elite Eight.
Three players finished in double figures for Japan. Rei Iwata had 11 to lead their team, while Karen Masajedi and Sawa Maeda each contributed 10 points. Gasem Altwal and Saeed Mukhtar paced Saudi Arabia with eight points apiece.
After the match, Masajedi said that he is hoping his team to follow in the footsteps of the teams which had won the first three titles for Japan in this championship, but they are not looking too far ahead and are positively taking things game by game in this year’s competition.
Japan are now set to face off against Chinese Taipei, which are also through to the top eight, to fight it out for the Pool B supremacy. Saudi Arabia will take on Kazakhstan in the other Pool B fixture.
Iran seal two wins in succession
At the second hall, mighty Iran powered to a comfortable 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 27-25) victory against the Philippines in Pool C.
With two consecutive wins, Iran as well as China are assured of advancing to the Elite Eight and will next face each other on Tuesday to vie for the top spot in Pool C.
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