Japan avenges loss to Taiwan

Kyodo News

Japan breezed past Taiwan in straight sets in the first round of the World Grand Prix on Friday, avenging a loss to its Asian rival at last year’s world championships. Saori Kimura helped the hosts find their rhythm with effective service points and Megumi Kurihara led the attack as Japan downed Taiwan 25-19, 25-17, 25-5 to improve to 3-1 in Pool D.