#RoadToTokyo: Edgar push Australia to a thrilling win over Korea, all easy for Iran
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Australia beat South Korea in the most exciting encounter of an opening day of the 2019 Asian Volleyball Olympic Qualifier in Jiangmen, China: they came out on top in a 5-set thriller in Pool B 3-2 (23:25, 25:23, 26:24, 20:25, 19:17). Australia was led by Thomas Edgar, author of 30 points including 4 aces, while Na Gyeong-Bok scored 16 points including 4 aces for South Korea. Given that these 2 teams are the major favorites in Pool B, losing to Australia will most likely push Korea to the tournament favorites No.1 Iran (under the assumption that they will win Pool A) in the semifinals.
In the same pool, Qatar wrote down a straight-sets victory against India.
About Iran, they had no trouble to destroy Chinese Taipei: 3-0 (25:16, 25:17, 25:14). The Asian champions were powered by Porya Yali, author of 14 points and Ali Shafiei’s 4 winning blocks.
The hosts China also began with an easy victory in Pool A, destroying Kazakhstan with a clear 3-0.
2019 Asian Volleyball Olympic Qualifier, pool stage – Round 1:
January 7:
POOL A
Chinese Taipei – Iran 0-3 (16:25, 17:25, 14:25)
China – Kazakhstan 3-0 (25:19, 25:14, 25:18)
POOL B
Qatar – India 3-0 (25:22, 25:20, 25:23)
Australia – South Korea 3-2 (23:25, 25:23, 26:24, 20:25, 19:17)
Source and photos: volleyball.coqt.2020.fivb.com
