KITAKYUSHU, Japan, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's title hopes at the Asian Men's Volleyball Championship ended here on Thursday after a 3-1 quarterfinal loss to South Korea.
China made a strong start and took the opening set 25-17, but South Korea responded by winning the next two 25-21, 25-22.
The fourth set developed into a tense battle as China fought to stay in the match. Neither side managed to pull away in the closing stages before South Korea won two consecutive points at 27-27 to take the set 29-27 and advance to the semifinals.
Heo Subong led South Korea with a match-high 21 points, while Im Donghyeok registered 18 attacks, two blocks and one ace.
Li Yongzhen and Wang Bin each scored a team-high 16 points for China. Li contributed three blocks, while Wang added two.
China held a 17-10 advantage in blocks, but South Korea outscored its opponent 61-55 in attacks and held a 5-3 edge in aces. Only one point separated the teams across the four sets, with South Korea prevailing 96-95 overall.
In another quarterfinal completed earlier on Thursday, Australia swept Thailand 25-22, 26-24, 25-19.
The tournament runs through September 13. ■
