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Korea are through to the semifinals of the AVC Men’s Volleyball Asian Championship in Fukuoka after producing a hard-fought 3-1 (17:25, 25:21, 25:22, 29:27) comeback victory over China, closing one of the most dramatic quarterfinals of the tournament with a thrilling 29-27 fourth set.
China started strongly and took the opening set 25-17, putting Korea under immediate pressure. The Koreans responded with greater consistency and gradually turned the match around, winning the second set 25-21 before taking control of the third, 25-22.
The fourth set then delivered the real drama. Neither side managed to establish a decisive advantage and the teams continued trading points deep into overtime. Korea eventually found the two-point margin they needed at 29-27 to seal the match 3-1 and book their place in the final four.
Opposite Im Donghyeok and outside hitter Heo Subong shared the match scoring honours with 21 points apiece. The first one contributed two kill blocks and an ace, while Heo added one ace as Korea completed their comeback. Middle blocker Lee Sanghyeon scored 14 points, with outside hitter Lim Sungjin adding another 11.
China were led by middle blocker Li Yongzhen, who produced an outstanding attacking performance, converting 81% of his attempts and adding three of China’s 17 kill blocks. He finished with 16 points, the same total as outside hitter Wang Bin. Opposite Wen Zihua contributed 13.
The result continues Korea’s run at an Asian Championship that also serves as an important qualification event on the road to Los Angeles 2028 and the 2027 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Cup. Korea had finished second in Pool C with two wins and one defeat, while China entered the knockout stage after placing fifth overall following the preliminary phase.
The remaining quarterfinals will determine the other two semifinalists. Iran will face Chinese Taipei on Friday at 15:30 local time (06:30 UTC), followed by Japan against India at 19:30 (10:30 UTC).
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🏐| 2026 AVC Men’s Volleyball Asian Championship | Quarterfinals:
Thursday September 10, 2026
• 15.30 (Local Time) | Thailand – Australia 0-3 (22:25, 24:26, 19:25)
👉🏼 19.30 (Local Time) | South Korea – China 3-1 (17:25, 25:21, 25:22, 29:27)
Friday September 11, 2026
• 15.30 (Local Time) | Iran – Chinese Taipei 3-1 (25:19, 25:19, 21:25, 25:18)
• 19.30 (Local Time) | Japan – India 3-0 (25:17, 25:15, 25:19)
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