The semifinal four of the Asian Women's Volleyball Championship in Tianjin is now complete. After Japan and defending champions Thailand secured their spots among the top four on Thursday, yesterday China and Iran won the remaining two quarterfinals. Thus, today Japan will meet Thailand, and host China will face Iran. The tournament awards one quota for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games to the champion and three spots for the 2027 World Championship.
Iran – Indonesia 3:1(19:25,25:16,25:12,25:17)
Iran achieved a historic success and for the first time qualified for the semifinals of the Asian Championship. The start was for Indonesia, who won the first set 25:19, but then the Iranians completely changed the course of the match. They took the next three sets with 25:16, 25:12, and 25:17 and earned their place among the top four teams on the continent.
Elaheh Pour Saleh was the big figure for the winners with 29 points – 26 from attack, 2 blocks, and 1 ace. Fatemeh Khalili added 15 points – 13 from attack and 2 blocks.
China – Vietnam 3:0(25:15,25:22,25:13)
China continued its flawless performance in front of its home crowd. The hosts defeated Vietnam 3:0 and reached the semifinals with four wins from four matches and without losing a single set.
After a convincing 25:15 in the first set, Vietnam put the Chinese under much more serious pressure in the second. The guests reached a tie at 21:21, but China controlled the end and won 25:22. In the third set, the hosts again had a clear superiority – 25:13.
Wu Mengjie and Zhuang Yushan were the top scorers for China with 18 points each, while Pham Quynh Huong finished with 11 for Vietnam. China had a significant advantage in attack – 56:32 successful attacks, as well as from serve – 7:2 aces.
Japan – Chinese Taipei 3:0(25:14,25:21,25:13)
Japan secured a semifinal spot on Thursday. The Japanese did not give Chinese Taipei much chance and advanced without losing a set in the tournament. Yukiko Wada was the top scorer with 19 points – 17 from attack and 2 aces, and captain Mayu Ishikawa added 14.
Thailand – South Korea 3:0(25:20,25:18,25:21)
Defending champions Thailand also convincingly passed through the quarterfinals. South Korea managed to stay close to their opponent in certain periods, but the Thais controlled the decisive moments and finished the match in three sets.
Pimpichaya Kokram scored 19 points – 18 from attack and 1 block. Sasipapron Jantawisut added 16, and Chatchu-On Moksri – 12. For South Korea, Hyunsu Na was the top scorer with 12 points.
Semifinals – August 29, Bulgarian time
12:15 Japan – Thailand
15:00 China – Iran
China and Iran have already met in the group stage, with the hosts winning the match 3:0. Now, however, the stake is a place in the final, and for Iran, reaching this stage is already a historic achievement.
The winners of the semifinals will not only continue the battle for the Asian title and the Olympic quota but will also secure participation in the 2027 World Championship. The third world quota will be distributed in the bronze medal match.