Japan have clinched bronze in the women's volleyball tournament thanks to a 3-0 victory over South Korea.
The first set was fairly even as Japan edged in front, but the Koreans were nipping at their heels. After closing it out 25-22 to take a one-set lead, Japan put their foot on the gas early in the second.
They had raced into a 5-0 lead before South Korea got their first point on the board.
Japan were halfway towards their objective by leading 12-6 when Korea staged a mini-comeback.
They had cut their deficit to within four points at 15-11, before winning four of the next five points to close to within one.
Japan then regained the initiative to pull three points clear before being pegged back once more at 20-19.
The two teams exchanged points until Japan wrapped it up 26-24 to go two sets in front.
Korea took an early lead in the third set, but Japan clawed themselves back and the teams continued to exchange points.
Despite Korea being in the lead for most of the final set, it was Japan who created four match points.
One was saved, but Japan took the victory on the next point to close out the set 25-21 and a 3-0 whitewash.
Michael Penkman
