TEHRAN, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Host Iran defeated China in straight sets on Friday in the semifinal of the 2023 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship, booking its place in Saturday's final showdown against Japan.
Iran won with the scores of 25-20, 25-23 and 25-23 at a more than fully-packed 6,000-seat Ghadir stadium in the northwestern city of Urmia.
Earlier in the day, Japan beat Qatar 3-1 (22-25, 25-18, 25-14, 28-26) in another semifinal duel.
China and Qatar will square off in the third place playoff on Saturday.
En route to the semifinals, Iran powered past China's Hong Kong, Iraq and Pakistan, and China beat Indonesia, Kazakhstan and India.
Iran will try to defend its 2021 championship title in a Herculean task against the bronze medalists of the 2023 FIVB Volleyball Men's Nations League.
After the semifinal game, Iran's head coach Behrouz Ataei said that although Japan put in a brilliant performance in the Nations League, his men are determined to claim the title.
Ataei admitted that his side was troubled by China in the second and third sets.
China head coach Hou Chundi said Iran played a very good game and "we did well too."
Commenting on his upcoming match against Qatar, Hou said, "They are a strong team, but we will do our best." ■
