Seven of the eight participants in the 1/4-finals of the Asian Men's Volleyball Championship in Fukuoka are already known. After Monday's matches, Australia, Japan, China, Iran, Thailand, Republic of Korea, and Chinese Taipei secured their places among the top eight.
In Group A, Australia achieved a second consecutive clean victory, defeating Oman 3:0 (25:18, 25:14, 25:22). The Australians are without a lost set and, along with hosts Japan, are already guaranteed a spot in the 1/4-finals. The two teams will determine first place in the group in a direct match. Oman and Bahrain will compete for third position.
Lorenzo Pope was the top scorer against Oman with 16 points, recording 3 blocks and 1 ace with 60% attack efficiency. Lincoln Williams added 12 points, including 3 aces.
The situation is the same in Group B, where China defeated New Zealand 3:0 (25:17, 25:22, 25:18). China and Iran both have two 3:0 victories and are already in the 1/4-finals. India and New Zealand will meet in a direct match for third place in the group and the opportunity to advance to the Top 8.
Zhang Jingyin played only in the first two sets against New Zealand but became China's top scorer with 11 points and 64% attack efficiency. Mana Placid from New Zealand was #1 in the match with 15 points – 4 blocks, 3 aces, and 8 successful attacks.
The most dramatic match of the day was in Group C. Thailand defeated Republic of Korea 3:2 (25:18, 25:16, 20:25, 22:25, 15:12). The Thais took a 2:0 lead, Korea managed to equalize, but the comeback remained unfinished after 12:15 in the tie-break.
After this result, Thailand leads the group with 2 wins and 5 points. Republic of Korea is second with a 1-1 balance and 4 points, and Chinese Taipei is third with 1 win, 1 loss, and 3 points.
All three teams are already confirmed participants in the 1/4-finals. The reason is that regardless of the final standings, the third-placed team from Group C will certainly have better indicators than the third-placed team in Group B. Thus, Qatar no longer has the opportunity to reach the Top 8.
Napadet Bhinijdee and Heo Subong finished with 25 points each for Thailand and Republic of Korea. Chaiwat Thungkam added 20 points for the winners, and Im Donghyeok scored 14 for the Koreans.
Thus, only one spot remains open in the 1/4-finals. It will be determined by comparing the performances of the third-placed teams in Groups A and B. In Group A, Oman and Bahrain are competing for third position, and in Group B – India and New Zealand. The third-placed team from Group C is already confirmed for the next phase.
The Asian Championship continues on September 8. From 04:00 Bulgarian time, India meets New Zealand, from 07:30 Qatar plays Republic of Korea, and from 13:30 hosts Japan face Australia.
The tournament in Fukuoka also has a significant stake – it is part of the qualification pathway for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 and for the World Cup in 2027.

photo:volleyballworld.com