MIYAURA HELPS JAPAN GRIND OUT WIN OVER THAILAND

Manama, Bahrain, July 21, 2018 – Japan saw off Thailand in hard-fought straight sets 25-19, 25-17, 27-25 in the 19th Asian Men’s U20 Volleyball Championship at Isa Sport City Hall on Saturday.

Captain Kento Miyaura led all scorers on the field, with 18 points from 13 attacks, 4 blocks and 1 service. He said “We knew that the Thai team have tall, strong players who are very good on their attacks. We had to realize that we should play well on our blocks.”

Japan took the first two sets 25-19, 25-17 but Thailand came within a whisker of winning the third set when they led commandingly 22-19. The Japanese gradually pulled their game together to catch the Thais at 24-24 and went on for the comeback win 27-25.

Japan’s coach Kazushi Masunari said “We were a bit nervous as this is our first match. Six of my players were in Youth World Championship last year but I gave more chances to my younger ones while many of the experienced ones were on the bench today.”

Thailand will next face Turkmenistan on Sunday, the second day of tournament, while Japan will have a rest before next playing Turkmenistan on Monday.

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