Australia, SKorea keep Olympic volleyball hopes alive

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

TOKYO (AFP) — Asian champions Australia and South Korea kept their hopes alive for the Beijing Olympics as they each posted their third win in the men's volleyball final qualifying round on Saturday.

Australia powered their way through to a 25-22, 25-19, 18-25, 25-20 victory over Algeria, while South Korea outgunned Iran 25-19, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22 to give each winner a 3-3 record in the eight-team round robin competition.

Italy were at the top of the pack with an undefeated record. Japan were one win away from Beijing and were to play Argentina later Saturday.

The winners of the tournament and the best-placed Asian team qualify for the Olympics. If Japan wins the tournament, the second-ranking Asian team will qualify.

"It was maybe not our best...