Host Japan continued its unbeaten streak, defeating Serbia in four sets in the FIVB Women's World Volleyball Championship on Wednesday in a battle of two perfect Pool A teams.
The Japanese team prevailed 28-26, 29-27, 18-25, 27-25 to secure first place in Pool A at Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Serbia, which placed third in the previous world championship, dropped to 4-1 to come second in the preliminary round.
Saori Kimura scored a game-high 27 points for Japan, which will face defending champion Russia, South Korea, China and Turkey in Pool E in the second round getting under way on Saturday.
The host put the first set away on the third set point on a spike from Kimura. Kaori Inoue had two finely placed serves to finish off the second set. Jelena Nikolic had 25 points for Serbia.