Japan was forced to rally from a nervy start and a one-set deficit against Venezuela but got its Olympic qualification campaign off to a positive start on Saturday with a 3-1 win as the battle for Rio 2016 men¡¯s volleyball places began in Tokyo.
The high-flying trio of Kunihiro Shimizu (21 points), Masahiro Yanagida (15) and Yuki Ishikawa (19) lived up to their star billing, providing the bulk of the Asian champions¡¯ scoring punch in the 26-28, 25-20, 25-19, 25-19 victory.
¡°In the second set we were having an uphill battle, we were trailing on many occasions but I really felt strongly we could overcome the headwinds. I think our resolve in the end led us to a win,¡± said Yanagida, who was key in the team turning its fortunes.
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