Ai Otomo scored a game-high 11 points as Japan outclassed Poland for a straight-sets victory Friday in their opening preliminary-round match of the World Grand Prix tournament in women's volleyball.
Inspired by setter and new captain Yoshie Takeshita, Japan dominated the match at Tokyo's Yoyogi National Gymnasium from the outset with speed and agility on its way to a 25-16, 25-11, 25-17 win in just 67 minutes. Sachiko Sugiyama, Chie Yoshizawa and Makiko Horai each scored 10 points to join Otomo in double-digits. Earlier, Brazil beat South Korea 25-21, 25-20, 25-14.
The top five teams from the 12-team preliminary round will join host Japan in the World Grand Prix finals in Sendai next month.