Japan outplayed their Asian rivals Korea 3-0 in the second round of the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup at the Sendai Gymnasium on Monday
Japan scorers had an excellent stint on the court as four players scored in double figures. Miyu Nagaoka and Sarina Koga led Japan with 15 points each, while Korea’s Kim Yeon-Koung produced the same output but only got big help from Kim Hee-Jin, who finished with 13 points.
Japan opened the match with a 7-2 lead that forced Korea coach Lee Jungchul to call an early timeout. The hosts blundered and allowed Korea to get within four points at 20-16, but Japan scored a 5-1 run to end the first set 25-17.
Korea had a better start in the second set but the score remained close as both squads utilised successful attack tactics. Korea allowed their star Kim Yeon-Koung to pounce on the open court, while the Japanese hitters used the Korean block to score points. The latter succeeded in their attack tactic and led but Japan still prevailed 26-24 after trailing most of the second set. Japanese hitters used their quickness and unleashed power hits on the Korean defenders. Japan had two excellent saves to keep the ball in play and executed superb attacks that ended set and match 25-17.