Surabaya, Indonesia – For the ninth time in 19 editions, Japan won the Asian Champion by defeating Kazakhstan 3-1 in the final.
Japan suffered only a 2-3 loss to Korea in their first round in Pool B, have been initially regarded as one of the strongest title contenders in this championship. Earlier this month, Japan won the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship AVC Qualifier Pool B in Canberra, Australia and the fourth place at this year’s World League Group 2. Kazakhstan caused a major upset on Monday when they stunned title-hotshots Korea with an epic come-from-behind (20-25, 15-25, 25-17, 25-23, 16-14) victory in the semi-finals and storm into the final showdown for the second time in 24 years.
Japan with the help of Yuki Ishikawa and Masahiro Yanagida, dominated the first two sets without problems (13-25, 20-25). Service errors caused Japan losing the 3rd set but they readjust themselves and took the 4th sets and also the champion title.
In the bronze medal match, Korea overpowered host team Indonesia 3-0 (25-16, 25-21, 25-13). Indonesia got the 4th place which is their best result in history while China got only 6th place which is the worst result ever since in the previous 18 editions.
SMM 19th Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship
Final standings:
1. Japan
2. Kazakhstan
3. Korea
4. Indonesia
5. Iran
6. China
7. Chinese Taipei
8. Australia
Photo: JVA
