FUKUOKA – Host Japan overpowered China in straight sets to win its second match in a row at the men’s World Cup on Monday.
The Japanese picked up their second win, beating winless China 25-23, 25-20, 26-24, giving them a 2-5 record in a competition that doubles as a qualifier for next year’s London Olympics.
In other matches, Poland outclassed the United States (3-4) 25-15, 25-20, 25-18 to improve to 6-1, while Russia (6-1) trounced Argentina (3-4) 25-23, 25-22, 25-19. Defending champion Brazil (5-2) fell 17-25, 25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 15-12 to Cuba (5-2) in a five-set thriller.
The top three finishers of the 12-team, round-robin tournament will secure berths in the London Olympics.