After a rest day, tournament has entered a white heat stage. Except for the undefeated China which remains atop of all teams, there has been a big shuffle in the remaining standings since Japan rocketed to no.2 after an unexpected victory over the title defending team Brazil.
USA vs Russia
3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-21, 15-9)
As expected two powerhouses from 2 continents had an extremely exciting game today. For Russia, promising stars Goncharova and Kosheleva continued to be the main scorers, accounting for 51 points in total. The European also demonstrated stronger net defense with 16 stuff blocks over 9 by the American.
Turning point began at set 4 when team USA enhanced their attacking stability and ground defense which led them to clinchingnthe final victory.
China vs Korea
3-0 (25-14, 25-4, 25-12)
With Olympic champion stars studded lineup, China gave a punishing play against Korea which was led by inexperienced players such as Lee Jaeyeong and Hwang Minkyoung. Under no pressure at all, China dominated with 39 spikes, 13 blocks and five aces.
If it was not mistaken, the game score in set 2 made the record for the biggest gap in the tournament history with 25-4.
Japan vs Brazil
3-2 (25-18, 25-27, 25-15, 16-25, 15-6)
A dramatic play was staged at the end of day 3. Host team Japan leveraged upon their home advantage to take the game. It has been a proud achievement to Japan that it is their second victory in a row against Brazil after their last encounter in World Grand Prix earlier this summer. Also, it gained them a chance to stand on the award podium. Japan finished day 3 and ranked second after China.
Ishii topped all scorers with 18 points, while Araki tallied 18 markers, including six blocks to power the Japanese offence and defence. Risa Shinnabe and Mami Uchiseto added 15 and 12 points, respectively. Brazilians Natalia Pereira and Ana Beatriz Correa led their side with 15 and 13 points.
Matches replay
USA vs Russia
China vs Korea
Japan vs Brazil
