France and South Korea started with losses in their first matches in Japan

Bulgaria's next opponents in the third VNL tournament - France and South Korea - started their first matches in Chiba, Japan with defeats.

France suffered a defeat to the hosts with0-3 (23-25, 16-25, 19-25). Although they started strong and surprised the hosts with a5-0 run, leading for most of the first set, the Japanese turned the score around at a crucial moment and won the first part. After that, Japan closed the match with a clean victory without much difficulty.

Individual performances

Yoshino Sato (Japan) was the top scorer with19 points (16 attacks and 3 aces), which is 10 more than the next best scorers on the team.
For France, two volleyball players reached double digits:
- Fatoumata Fanguedou (middle blocker) with11 points (4 blocks, 1 ace, 6 attacks).
- Iman Ndiaye (opposite hitter) also with11 points (9 attacks and 2 blocks).

Tournament position

France occupies12th placewith a balance3-6and10 points, but still has a chance to fight for the Finals.

South Korea lost to Poland with1-3 (25-18, 19-25, 14-25, 26-28). The Koreans surprised the Poles in the first set and took a convincing 1-0 lead. Poland, however, found its rhythm and won the next two sets relatively easily. The fourth set was very contested and went into overtime, but ended with a powerful block byJulita Piasecka, with which Poland closed the match.

Individual performances

Aleksandra Gryka (Poland) distinguished herself with the strongest block play in the match Ablock. Poland: The fourth set was very contested and went into overtime, but ended with a powerful block by5 successful blocks.
Julita Piaseckascored15 points(incl. 2 aces).
Malwina Smarzekscored20 points, whileMartyna Łukasik(Poland) andSunwoo Lee(Korea) shared the "title" for top scorers with21 points each.
For KoreaDahyeon Leeand captainSohwi Kangrecorded13 points each.