Japan's captain Kunihiro Shimizu scored 12 points today
Osaka, Japan, June 20, 2015 - Japan dominated from start to finish as they beat Korea 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-17) to overtake them into second place of Pool D of FIVB World League.
Captain Shimizu led his team to a good start, as he scored four points helping Japan to an 8-6 lead at the first technical time-out. Japan never relinquished their lead and calmly controlled the game thanks to their strong block and good service. At one point they were able to win seven straight points, finishing the set 25-17.
In the second set the home side picked up right where they left off grabbing an early 7-3 lead. Kunihiro Shimizu and Masahiro Yanagida dominated the net as Japan held a seven-point advantage at the second technical time-out. A powerful spike from Yuta Matsuoka finished the set at 25-17 for Japan.
The beginning of the third set saw Korea finally find their rhythm as they were able to challenge the home side until, at 11-10, an ace from Yanagida followed by a block from Hideomi gave Japan a three-point lead. They never looked back as Shimizu and Yanagida continued their powerful performance to give Japan the final set, 25-17. The home fans will hope to see more of the same when the two sides meet again tomorrow.
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